SWIM MEET ETIQUETTE & WHAT TO EXPECT
Swim meets are a great opportunity for swimmers to put their hard work to the test!
Swimmer Conduct at Swim Meets
Swim meets are a great opportunity for the athletes to have fun and bond with fellow swimmers. However, it is also important for our swimmers to focus on their upcoming events and to ensure that they are prepared. Swimmers may bring activities to keep them busy during the day, but they are discouraged from bringing items that may be too distracting. Bringing valuables and electronics is discouraged as the swim camps are typically in public areas. If you choose to bring valuables, you bring them at your own risk. Balls are not permitted in most swim camps as they are located indoors. We encourage your swimmer to bring toys, cards, games, etc. to help pass the time and to interact with their fellow swim club members. Swimmers are expected to conduct themselves in an honorable and respectful manner as they are representing the Camrose Sea Serpents Swim Club.
Supervision
Swim meets are a great opportunity for the athletes to have fun and bond with fellow swimmers. However, it is also important for our swimmers to focus on their upcoming events and to ensure that they are prepared. Swimmers may bring activities to keep them busy during the day but they are discouraged from bringing items that may be too distracting. Bringing valuables and electronics is discouraged as the swim camps are typically in public areas. If you choose to bring valuables, you bring them at your own risk. Balls are not permitted in most swim camps as they are located indoors. We encourage your swimmer to bring toys, cards, games, etc., to help pass the time and to interact with their fellow swim club members. Swimmers are expected to conduct themselves in an honourable and respectful manner as they are representing the Camrose Sea Serpents Swim Club.
The club will be having a parent volunteer who will be responsible for the supervision of swimmers in swim camp. This parent is chosen by the coach & president. The expectation is this person will help ensure swimmers are ready to compete and meet their marshalling deadlines as defined by the meet. It is expected that the swimmers respect the direction of the Camp Parent. Supervision of the swimmer on deck is managed by the Coaching staff. Due to insurance regulations, parents are not permitted on deck at a swim meet unless they are fulfilling an official role. Parents are expected to abide by the rules set by the facility and club hosting the meet.
Swim Meet Etiquette & What to Expect
Due to insurance regulations, parents are not allowed on the pool deck unless they are acting as an official or an assigned volunteer. Parents who are not volunteering must remain in designated spectator areas.
You will receive a coach’s newsletter via email prior to each meet. Read it carefully. It will contain important information about the meet such as arrival times, location and more!
Warm-ups are early in the morning. Arrive at the pool at least 30 minutes before warm-ups.
When you arrive at the swim meet, check in with your coach.
In the swimmers’ camp you will find an area with a Camrose Sea Serpent sign on the wall. This is our camp for the day. Find a spot on the floor to place your swimmer's gear.
The swimmer should then get ready for warm-ups with his/her swim cap, goggles and towel.
Swimmers should remain with the club in the club “camp” during the meet. If they need to leave, they should report where they are going to the camp volunteer. This is important so they do not miss their marshalling time for their events.
Heat sheets are usually available online prior to each meet. It is recommended that you print these and bring them with you. The heat sheets list the schedule of events and the name of the swimmers in each heat. Heats are arranged according to the swimmer’s best time. If a swimmer has never competed in the event before a “NT” (no time) will appear. Bring a highlighter to mark your swimmer’s events. Bring a Sharpie pen to write each event number on the swimmer’s hand or arm. This reminds them of their events and what numbers they need to listen and watch for in the marshalling area.
You may also download the Meet Mobile app on your phone. This will provide you with event results so you can see if your swimmer improved upon their previous time and how they rank with other swimmers in their age group. However, there is an annual fee for this app.
As stated earlier, due to insurance purposes, parents are not allowed on deck at swim meets. Please consider volunteering as an official and receive the best view in the house!
After warm-ups, your swimmer will go back to the swimmers’ camp with the team until their first race is called. This is a good time for swimmers to use the bathroom, get a drink or get settled. The meet usually starts about 15 minutes after the warm-ups are over.
Listen to or watch for your swimmer's events. There are usually announcements and a board which lists the events being marshalled. When your swimmer's event is getting close, they go to a race check-in location where an official will line them up and take them down to the pool in the correct order according to heat and lane for their event.
After their event, swimmers should go immediately to the coaches’ table for race feedback. At this time, the coach will provide positive comments and suggestions for improvement.
When a swimmer has completed all their events, and if they are not in a relay, the swimmer and parents may go home. However, always check with the coach before leaving to make sure there have been no changes. Please ensure your swimmer has left their area in camp tidy!
Event results are posted in the pool facility and aggregate awards are given out at the end of the meet. If your swimmer is to receive an award, please stay for the awards presentation. All swimmers are encouraged to stay and cheer for their teammates who will be receiving an award. This teaches great sportsmanship!
