Swim Meets:
Where do we find information on upcoming swim meets/events for our swimmers?
The Meets/Events button on the right side of the website has current list of meets. To find more information about a specific meet, click on the meet and information such as the meet invite, timelines, session information, warm-up assignments, etc. will be posted under the meet name as soon as it is available to the coaches.
How do I register my swimmer for a swim meet?
For instructions on registering for a meet click here.
How do meet entries work?
At the beginning of every season, the coaching staff will post the meet schedule to the website. View the list and commit your swimmers to the meets in which you will be able to attend. After you are committed, the coach will select the events for the swimmers and send entries to the host team. Please note that if your schedule changes during the season and you cannot attend a meet that you had initially planned on attending, you must notify the coaching staff before the entry deadline. Otherwise, you will be responsible for the meet fees billed to your account.
For more information on swim meets, events, and expectations click here.
Who enters my swimmer in events?
The coaches enter all swimmers in events at each meet. If you have preferences, feel free to leave a note in the comment box indicating your event selections. The coaching staff has the final decision on all events in which the swimmer competes. The coaches make the decisions as part of their overall development of the swimmer. They plan entries on a season-long basis rather than meet to meet.
What are the time standards, and where do I find them?
Time standards are a set of times set by Arkansas Swimming or USA Swimming meant to encourage swimmers to step their swimming up to the next level and also to allow swimmers to compete against swimmers of similar ability. The Time Standards are posted on the website under the “Meets/Events” tab. When you click on a meet that requires time standards, you will see the required times listed in the meet information and on the sign-up page. Please note that not all meets have time standards.
What is a disqualification, and what are some general examples of how it could happen?
The technical rules of swimming are designed to provide fair and equitable conditions of competition and to promote uniformity in the sport. Each swimming stroke has specific rules designed to ensure that no swimmers get an unfair competitive advantage over another swimmer.
Trained officials observe the swimmers during each event to ensure compliance with these technical rules. If a swimmer commits an infraction of the rules that is observed by an official, a disqualification (DQ) will result. This means that the swimmer will not receive an official time and will not be eligible for an award in that event. Disqualification may result from actions such as not getting to the starting blocks on time, false starting, illegally performing strokes, or unsportsmanlike conduct.
Disqualifications are an essential part of the learning process for each swimmer. When talking to the swimmer after a disqualification, ask them what they have learned from that event. Then reinforce that this is a normal part of the process and not to be upset about it.
Disqualifications are a result of technical rule violations but are NOT limited to:
Freestyle: Walking on the bottom, pulling on the lane rope, not completing the race
Backstroke: rolling to your stomach, not finishing on your back
Breaststroke: illegal kick, touching the wall with only one hand, alternating arms
Butterfly: alternating arms or legs, touching the wall with only one hand, arms not recovering over the surface of the water (underwater recovery)
For more information on dq's and the parents role click here.
What does my swimmer need to bring to a swim meet?
For information regarding swim meet attire and what to bring click here.
What are the age groups in competition?
Generally, competitions are divided into the following age groups: 8 & Under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, and 15 & Over. You will also see some competitions where events are labeled 10 & Under (open to any swimmers younger than 11) and also have “Open” events which are open to all ages, but generally refer to senior swimmers 13 & Over.
For more information on age groups and levels of achievement click here.
How often should my swimmer attend meets?
Competition is an integral part of our team and what we do. We believe that swimmers need to have enough time between meets for training, so they have a chance to show improvement. Ideally, we recommend that swimmers attend either one or two meets a month. Sometimes our meet schedule offers more than two meets in a month. This allows families to have flexibility, but please be aware that some meets will require qualifying times to attend.
When should we get to the meet?
Each swim meet is divided into sessions. Depending on what session your swimmer is in will determine the appropriate time to arrive at the meet. We recommend that all swimmers arrive 15 minutes before the start of warm-ups, so the coaches know they are there and ready to swim.
Will my swimmer be on a relay?
When a meet offers relays, coaches will enter swimmers in relays when there are enough swimmers in each age group. The coaches make all decisions about relay swimmers on the day of the meet. Any swimmer signed up to swim in a session that includes relays is expected to be available to swim on relays if asked to do so by the coaches. In addition, if a swimmer is not present at warmup on the day of the relay, it is assumed they will not be available for a relay and will be replaced.
What is an “IM”?
The “IM” refers to Individual Medley. This is a race that includes all four competitive strokes swum in the following order: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle. Different age groups compete at various distances ranging from 100 to 400 yards or meters.
How much do swim meets cost?
For information about swim meet fees click here.
