Some swim meets - for older (13+) and more experienced swimmers run in two parts: prelims (morning) and finals (evening). Understanding how these sessions work helps families plan their day and avoid common mix-ups.

Prelims (Morning Session)

• Every swimmer in the event swims once to establish a time.
• Times from prelims determine who advances to finals.

​Finals (Evening Session)

• The fastest swimmers in each event from prelims are invited to race again in finals.
• Finals determines final placings, awards, and team points.
• Positive Check-In: Some meets require swimmers to check in before their race. You might need to check to marshaling area/ admin desk/ the call room 15 minutes before your heat, or during warm-up.

Check the meet package to confirm which events will have prelims, finals, and positive check-in requirements.

• After prelims, swimmers are ranked by time.

• The number of swimmers who advance depends on the meet format and pool size (8 lane vs 10 lane)
• Some meets also include a B Finals for the next fastest group.
• The A Final determines medal winners and top placings.

Who qualifies for finals can change based on "scratches" - swimmers who opt out of finals — make sure your swimmer knows where to find the heat sheets for finals before they leave the preliminary session.

• Two alternates are usually named for each final event.

• If a swimmer doesn't show up for the final session or arrive on time for their event, the alternate steps in.
• This ensures that there are full heats in finals. Aim to be on deck 15 minutes before warm-up so your swimmer can check in with their coach and get ready to warm up.
• Alternates should arrive for the finals session, warm up with their team, and marshal for their event. If all the swimmers in that event show up, the alternate will be dismissed and can go back to their teammates.

• Swim-offs happen when there’s a tie for a final or alternate spot.

• Officials call coaches to discuss options. Swimmers can:

  1. Race for the spot

  2. Concede and take an alternate spot

  3. Scratch and not race in the swim-off

• Scratches can also create new swim-offs.

Swim-offs are some of the most exciting races to watch - swimmers are often really motivated to get the spot!

Scratches ​

• Swimmers who do not intend to swim in finals must scratch, even if they think they didn't qualify.
• Scratches can change the final line up - swimmers who didn't initially qualify may move up.
• If you wait to find if if you moved up, you'll miss the deadline to scratch.
• Scratches can also create new swim-offs, including for spots as an alternate.

Common Scratch Deadlines:

• 30 minutes after the results of that event are posted.
• 30 minutes after the preliminary session ends.
• 30 minutes after the last preliminary event (important to note if there are distance or timed finals events also happening in that same session.

No-Show Consequences

• If a swimmer is listed in finals and does not show up, it called a No-Show.
• There could be financial penalties, depending on the meet.
• Please review the meet package and communicate clearly with your coach.

 Always check the meet pacakge to double check the deadline and any penalties.

• Some events are only swum once - these are called timed finals.
• Common timed finals are distance events (400, 800, 1500 m races), but meet management can designate others.
• Distance events might be swum all together during the preliminary session or have the fastest heat swim in finals.

Finals sessions are exciting - music, cheering, team sprit, and some of the best swimming of the meet.

There may be some additional ceremonial elements, including:

• playing the national anthem
• announcing the senior officials (e.g. referee, starter)
• introducing swimmers as they come to the blocks or enter the water

Finals helps swimmers learn how to perform under pressure and race head-to-head.

Enjoy the excitement of competitive swimming! ​