Swim Meet 101
Before the Meet
We typically have meets on most Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the season. Swim meets usually begin the first or second week of June. *Please let the head coach know the day before a meet if you are unable to attend by using the RSVP function on the team website. If you do not RSVP with a 'yes' we will mark your swimmer as unavailable and they will not be assigned to any events, even if you bring them to the meet.
*If your child is unable to attend practice the day before a meet, you need to submit their preferred events on the team website by noon the day before. For example, if your child cannot attend Monday’s practice, but will participate in Tuesday’s meet, you need to email your child’s preferred events to the team email by noon on Monday. If the email is not received by noon, your child will not be entered into the meet.
The meet schedule, directions to each pool, and official league rules are posted on our website at elkinsotters.swimtopia.com.
Please remember that your child may not be entered into the exact events you choose for them. The coaches will have final say in events and they must take into account many variables, among which are how many entries we are allowed per event. In tri-meets, for example, we are only allowed 2 entries per event. We will try to make sure every swimmer has at least 2 events, even if we are attending a tri-meet, although some events may be exhibition only.
What to Bring
Your swimmer will need goggles, swimsuit, swim cap, and at least two towels. It is very important to keep the swimmer's muscles warm between events; a sweatshirt and pants can be helpful. There can be a considerable amount of down time between events. Be sure to bring something to keep your swimmer and other children entertained.
You will also want to bring chairs for you and your swimmer. Bleachers or chairs are available at most pools but are limited.
Your child will burn a lot of calories while swimming. You will want to make sure they refuel and hydrate after their events. Concessions are usually available however, you are allowed to bring in your own food and drinks at meets. When planning, remember to pack healthy snacks that will help your swimmer maintain his/her energy level. Candy and high sugar snacks are discouraged.
A highlighter and permanent marker are useful for marking your swimmer’s events. For home meets, we email the meet sheet several hours prior to the meet. For away meets, meet sheets are available once we arrive at the pool. Once you have the meet sheet, find all the events for your swimmer(s); most swimmers write them on their arm or foot. This is where the permanent marker is useful.
During Meet
Your swimmer will receive an event card and then listen for the Official to call a range of events to be “on deck”. When the event is called, the swimmer should report to the Clerk of Course. It is your swimmer's responsibility to make sure they are ready for their event at the appropriate time. Parents of younger swimmers often assist, but this is an attribute each swimmer must develop as they advance. After the race your child should speak to the coach for any feedback or information.
The USA Swimming website has a parent section that includes a nice article for those of you who may be attending a swim meet for the first time (www.usa-swimming.org).
