Swim Meet 101
Here are some general guidelines for meets.
As far as the swim meets, expect to be at the meet for about 3-4 hours depending on the size of the teams. Some suggested things to bring include plenty of drinks, sunscreen, snacks (kids do as much eating as swimming :), sunglasses, extra towel/clothes if cool in the beginning of the season.
Although the season is short, it is fast and furious. Most weeks there will be a meet every Wednesday evening and Saturday morning. Plan to arrive at the pool by 5:00 on Wednesdays for warm ups as the meets start at 6:00. Saturday meets start at 9:00, so plan to arrive by 8:00.
If your child will not be at the meet, please make sure you opt out at least 3 days in advance so the coaches can adjust the line up accordingly. Along the same line, if your swimmer will not be at the entire meet, please let coaches know ahead of time as the line up may affect other kids especially if your child is put in a relay.
There will be times that your swimmer may be placed in events that they are not as comfortable swimming. The coaches are well aware of each swimmer's abilities and they have a reason for this approach. It may be to challenge the swimmer or a strategic move to get more points for the team. Please support the coaches' decisions even if your swimmer does not agree.
The swimmers are expected to sit with the team and cheer for their teammates. There will be a "Turtle Award" for the most supportive team member at the end of each meet.
Although we understand that there are exceptions, it is the expectation that all swimmers stay for the entire meet to support the rest of the team.
