A Guide to Swim Meets

This guide was put together in hopes that it will make the swim team season a little less daunting and let you know what to expect. Swim meets can be long and may be either chilly or hot sitting in the sun for hours. Coming prepared can help. After your first meet, everything becomes a little easier.

Please keep in mind that this is a recreational summer swim league and therefore, we must all be flexible. The meets require the help of many people to run effectively. If you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask. We’ve all been there!

It all starts with preparing on Swim Meet Eve (our meets are Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings).

Swim Bag        

Ensure you have the essentials: goggles (at least 2), swim cap, hair ties, and 2 towels (1 to sit on, 1 to dry off)

Other things to consider:

Sweatshirt/sweatpants (or pajama pants)

Recreational items to use between events (which can be long breaks): cards, travel games, books, homework

Label all items so we can return the many lost items we find at every meet.

For the parents

Folding chair

Ball-point pen, highlighter

Book, paper, magazine

Beverage (water/coffee, it’s important you stay hydrated too)

Printed meet sheet (or access to it on your phone)

If you are volunteering, you likely won’t need some of these items.

The Snacks

If you opt to pack food/drinks, here are some good swim meet food choices:

Water, juice, sports drink (fluids are VERY important) NO SODA

Bagels (hold the cream cheese)

Carrot and celery sticks

Fruit – grapes, bananas & apples (oranges can be messy)

Granola bars, oatmeal

Plain or artificially sweetened yogurt

Think natural energy. Easily digestible, portable foods are your best choices.

You will be reminded of the snack bar items for sale as well.

Once everything is packed, get your swimmers to bed so they can be rested.

Ensure you know where the meet is, how long it takes to get there, the parking information, and the time for our team’s warmup.

Swim Meet Arrival

If it’s a home meet and you live near the pool, you might consider walking as the parking lot fills up fast!

Swimmers should get there 10-15 minutes prior to warmups. This gives them time to set up their belongings and get ready.

Consult the meet sheet and ensure your swimmer(s) know their events.

The clerk of course and age group coordinators will also help ensure the swimmers are ready for their events. However, swimmers should remain nearby as the meet will not wait on missing swimmers.

The Meet

If you are volunteering, check in with the volunteer coordinator. Track the events, so you can ensure you get to watch your child swim.

Make sure that they keep up with their cap and goggles – there’s nothing more nerve wracking than searching for caps and goggles seconds before its time to report. If they keep their caps on and goggles pulled down like a necklace, they’re less likely to lose them.

Your main job at this point is to make sure your child stays nearby between events as opposed to wandering the facility.

Swimmers have an area they mainly stay in, where the age group coordinators can easily locate them. After the race, your swimmer can find you to discuss their event.

Double check the relay teams so you can make sure you stay if your swimmer is on a relay team.

Reminder: parents are not allowed behind the starting area. If there is a question or problem, you should ask your swim team president or the coach (after the meet).

Post-meet

After your swimmer(s)' events are over (remember to double check the relay teams), check in with your coach, and then you may leave. Check your area for trash and belongings, and you may head home (unless you volunteered for clean up duty)!

(portions adapted from the YMCA)