Swim Meet 101
Parent/Guardian Guide for Swim Meets!
GENERAL: Swimmers are not required to attend all swim meets, but must swim in two meets in order to compete at Championships. Swim meets are so much fun, as this is the time when the swimmers not only get to RACE, but also build friendships with teammates and show their team spirit!
POOL LOCATION: Home meets are at King Park Pool in Pittsfield, IL. Away Meet locations are listed on the schedule. If you go to our calendar, you can also click on "Meet Details" for more information.
EVENTS: Swimmers are allowed to compete in (up to) 3 individual events and 2 relays. The order of events at most swim meets is:
- Free Relays
- Backstroke
- Long Free
- Breaststroke
- Butterfly
- Short Free
- Individual Medley (I.M.)
- Medley Relay
Each event has a corresponding number based on your swimmer's age/gender/heat. These event numbers will be posted ahead of time online and around the pool area for swimmers to reference. Many of our kids write their numbers on their arm or leg using a sharpie so they can easily see their races at a glance. Please help your swimmer do this before the swim meet, as once they arrive the coaching staff will be busy!
ARRIVAL/WARM UPS: You will notice that arrival times and warm up times vary by location, how many teams are competing, and the number of lanes available. It is important to arrive on time and it is recommended to arrive with suits, caps, and goggles on and ready to go! Warm ups are usually short and very crowded. All swimmers should stay on the right side of the lane at all times. Please help your child understand this concept for a smoother warm up experience.
COACHING: During the meet, coaches will be on deck observing the swimmers while they compete. While we try to cheer on and encourage every swimmer, we are also busy watching technique closely. These observations are used in upcoming practices to help swimmers improve. You may also see coaches getting relays ready, reminding swimmers of specifics before a race, debriefing after a race, etc. Please allow our coaches to be fully present with our swimmers until the meet has concluded.
SPORTSMANSHIP: Swimmers should remain in the water after a race until all swimmers in the heat have finished. This shows respect to other athletes. Swimmers should congratulate the winner of the race no matter which team he/she is on. Swimmers are encouraged to cheer for their teammates!
WHAT TO BRING:
- Swimsuit (jammers for boys & one piece for girls)
- Caps/Goggles (extras are recommended)
- Towels/Robes/Dry Clothes - it is important that swimmers stay dry and warm between races!
- Sunscreen
- Plenty of snacks and drinks - concessions are available at many meets, but not always!
- Folding chairs or towels/blankets to rest on
DURING THE MEET: Only volunteers, officials, coaches, and swimmers should be on the pool deck during the swim meet. There will be a designated area for parents and families to view the meet. Swimmers need to stay in our team camp area so they can be found at all times. After a race, they are welcome to go visit with family, use the restroom, etc. but they need to return to camp immediately afterwards. We will not track down swimmers for their races as this delays our meet.
AFTER THE MEET: Please make sure your swimmer has all of his/her belongings before leaving. Sometimes we clean up the lane lines, flags, etc. and sometimes we leave them in for practice the following day. Help with tear down is appreciated! Swimmers should not be in the water, on the diving boards, or on the slide during the tear down process.
AWARDS: Ribbons will be awarded to swimmers for each event they participate in. All ribbons will be placed in the swim box in a folder with the family’s last name on it. Ribbons usually take a few days to arrive in the box after each meet!
VOLUNTEERS: We could not hold home swim meets without the help of our parents!! It is vital to our program! At each home meet we will need about 20 volunteers:
- 12 Timers - start and stop your watch, record the time
- 1 Head Timer - start a backup watch
- 1 Runner - give completed timer sheets to the computer table
- 1 Starter - announce/start each race
- 3 Bullpen - line swimmers up for their races
- 1-2 Awards/Labels - stick labels onto ribbons and sort into folders
If you have any questions or concerns regarding swim meets, please contact a coach or swim team board member and we will do our best to help you.
