|
What things should I bring to a swim meet?
In your swim bag you should pack several towels , your swim suit and an extra swim suit, your swim cap and goggles (have 2 pairs - straps can break). Sun screen will be needed for outdoor meets. In addition, depending on the weather you will want to bring sweat pants, a sweat shirt, t-shirt, warm sox, shoes or flip flops to protect young feet and your parka or robe. Be sure that your name is on all clothing. Don’t forget hair bands, brush, shampoo/conditioner and a change of clothes. If your child has asthma or diabetes don’t forget their medication.
How long do swim meets usually last?
You should plan to be at the meet for 4+ hours, but keep in mind that most of the time you won’t be racing. Bring things to help you pass the time such as homework, cards, gameboys, books etc. You may want to pack a snack as well, but most meets have a Snack Bar where bagels, fruit, water and other snacks are sold, so consider bringing some spending money. Bring water to stay hydrated. Bring snacks (goldfish, Ritz bits, cheese, fruit, cereal, power bars, etc.)
When should I arrive at the meet?
Most Age Group meets except Championship meets are what is called split session meets, with each session (morning and afternoon) running approximately 4 hours. Check with your coach to be clear in what session (morning or afternoon) you are entered in. The Meet Sheet will also have information about warm-up times for each session. You will also need to bring a pen and a sharpie to mark you swimmer as to what event/heat/lane they are entered in. Your coach will give you special instructions regarding what time he/she wants you there for warm-up.
What should I do when I arrive at the meet?
The first thing all swimmers should do when they arrive at a meet is find the coach and check in. All swimmers must check themselves in at the meet at least 30 minutes before team warm ups. A parent coordinator will be handling the relay events. Please look for these people and get your assignment. Find the bathrooms. A swimmer needs to be ready at least 2 -3 events before they are scheduled to swim.
What happens if I don’t check-in?
Swimmers who do not show up or check in, as stated in the rules and on the Meet Commitment Sheet, that swimmer will loose their retainer fee. Swimmers who do not check-in are not being fair to their fellow swimmers. You might be scheduled to swim in a relay. If you are not there the relay will be scratched, the other 3 swimmers (and their parents) and coaches will be extremely disappointed.
How will I know when my race is?
All events have an event number (e.g. Event #7, Girls 7/8 - 25 Yard Freestyle). Know what events you are competing in. Eat sheets are sold at the events. Many swimmers write their event numbers on their leg or arm with a Sharpie. Pay attention to the announcer as he/she announces what event is in the water or what event is coming up. When your race is 2 events away, (e.g. you are swimming in event #6 and the event currently being swum is event #4), stay in the bull pen area. A coordinator will place you in the correct order for your swim .Know your event/heat lane assignment.
What do I do after I finish a race?
After you race you should do three things after you get out of the pool. First, always warm-down after you swim. If you don’t know how long you should warm-down, ask your coach before your race. Second, after warming-down, find a dry towel and/or some warm clothes. Last, but not least, go back to the team area.
Where do I go when I’m not in the water?
Stay near the team area at the meet venue. Play games with your friends, read or listen to music. Relax.
It is not a good idea to leave valuables unattended or out in the open.
Information for Parents and Spectators
Typically a meet will run roughly 4+ hours. During most of the time spent at the meet, your swimmer will not be swimming. When you are not watching your swimmer compete, you may want to read a book, socialize with other Waves parents or consider supporting the meet by filling a timing chair.
Roughly 15 minutes before the start of the competition the announcer will call for timers. Please consider filling a timing chair for the team. Timers will be needed. If you have never timed before, consider volunteering at the beginning of the meet. At this time, meet officials will give a briefing to all timers and conduct several practice “races” to familiarize new timers with the process.
Here are some important things for parents to keep in mind at meets:
- Leave coaching to the coaches. This includes pre-race psyching, motivation, after race critiquing, setting goals, etc
- Be your swimmer’s best fan. Support your child unconditionally. Do not withdraw when your child performs poorly. Not every race will be a best time.
If your swimmer comes out of the pool with a personal best time and a last place finish, help him/her to understand that this is a “win”.
Don’t bribe or offer incentives for best times. Every race should be a learning experience.
- Support your swimmers’ coach(es). They are the experts. Find a time away from the pool deck to discuss any concerns you have directly with them. Not at the meet.
Make sure your swimmer gets enough rest and is eating properly throughout the meet. Swimming takes a lot of energy.
- Make friends. Some of the best relationships are made at swim meets.
|
