Swim Meet 101
 

Getting Started

•    New Swimmers: Contact your swimmer’s coach to determine if they are ready to compete in meets. Coaches can also advise on which strokes your swimmer is eligible to swim. Families will register their swimmers for swim meets, coaches do not. 

•    Meet Announcements: When a meet is available, you will receive an email from CSC/Team Unify with the meet details and registration deadline. These deadlines are strict, so be sure to respond on time. Reminder emails may also be sent.

Meet Information

•    Fees: Meet entry fees and per-event fees are non-refundable, as they are paid in advance.

•    Format: Meets are typically divided into morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) sessions, lasting about four hours each. Sessions are often grouped by age.

•    Warm-Ups: All swimmers must attend warm-up sessions.

Before the Meet

•    Heat Sheets: Heat sheets listing event numbers, heat numbers, and lane assignments are available for purchase. Many swimmers write this information on their arms for easy reference.

•    Warm-Up Times: An email will be sent with warm-up times for your swimmer’s session. Swimmers should arrive 15 minutes early, swim-ready.

Team Attire

•    Uniform: Swimmers should wear the team suit provided at the beginning of the season. Additional suits can be ordered through Swim Outlet.

•    Label Items: Clearly label all personal items (suits, goggles, caps, towels, bags) to ensure lost items can be returned.

•    Tech Suits: Expensive tech suits are unnecessary and banned for younger swimmers.

At the Meet

•    A CSC coach will always be present on the pool deck to guide swimmers.

•    Parents are not permitted on the pool deck or in locker rooms during meets.

•    Swimmers should report to their coach after each event for feedback or a high-five!

•    Swimmers may leave the meet once they have completed all their events.

Additional Tips

•    Bring items to keep your swimmer entertained during downtime, as meets involve waiting between events.

•    Pack essentials like extra caps, goggles, and snacks. Concession stands may be available, though offerings might be limited.

•    Seating can be limited, so consider bringing a camp chair or blanket.

If Plans Change

•    If your swimmer cannot attend a meet they’ve signed up for, notify their coach as soon as possible.

For additional questions, contact a board member or your swimmer’s coach.