WFYD New Swimmer & Parent User Guide

Welcome to the Wallingford Family YMCA Dolphins (WFYD)! We’re excited to have your family join our team. This guide is designed to help both swimmers and parents feel prepared, supported, and informed throughout the season.

 

1. Swim Meet Basics & FAQs

Swim meets are an exciting time for both swimmers and spectators—but your first meet can feel overwhelming! Use this guide to prepare.

Choosing Meet Events

  • USA Invitational Meets: Families may request events, but coaches may adjust entries as needed.
  • YMCA Dual/Invitational & Championships: Coaches select events. Swimmers must compete in at least two meets before championships to be eligible.
  • New Dolphins: Typically swim two individual events (freestyle or backstroke) and one relay at their first meet.
  • Try Every Stroke: Swimmers are encouraged to swim all legal strokes at least once each season.
  • Sprint vs. Endurance: Longer races (200 yards+) are usually introduced after ~8 weeks of training.
  • Not Sure? Leave it blank—your coaches are your best resource.

 

2. Preparing for a Meet

Before the Meet

  • Label all belongings (suits, shirts, towels).
  • Bring a foldable deck chair (no oversized chairs).
  • If not on the swim cap, write your swimmer’s name on their shoulder blade with Sharpie.
  • Write an Event–Heat–Lane (EHL) chart on your swimmer’s hand/arm.

What to Bring on Deck

  • Deck chair
  • Healthy, nut-free snacks & water/sports drinks
  • Team suit & goggles (2 pairs recommended)
  • WFYD apparel for team spirit
  • Two towels
  • Swim Cap
  • Positive attitude & energy!

Meet Timeline

  • Arrive 15–25 minutes before warm-ups (not earlier).
  • Warm-up times are posted on the team website by the day before each meet.
  • Meets last up to 4 hours.
  • Swimmers are expected to stay until the end of the meet, except:
  • - 8 & unders may leave after their relays.
  • - Written permission (email) is required for early departure.
  • Most swimmers compete in 3 individual events + 2 relays.

Checking Results

Before the meet: Download the MeetMobile app (if the host team uses it).

During the meet: Paper results are posted for each event. Ask meet volunteers where results are located.

After the meet:

  1. Log into your team account: My Account > My Meet Results.
  2. Go to the team website: Events > Event Page > Past & Archived > select meet.
  3. Use the SportsEngine Motion app: Menu > Sync > Meet Results.
  4. Visit www.usaswimming.org: Times > Times Search > Individual Times Search.

 

 

3. Parent/Guardian Guidelines

At the Meet

  • Dress in layers—pool decks get hot.
  • Consider buying a heat sheet (lists all events, heats, lanes, seed times).
  • Parents are not allowed on deck unless volunteering.
  • Encourage swimmers to connect with teammates, stay positive, and have fun.
  • Cheer loud and proud—your enthusiasm helps!

How to Help

  • Volunteer for meet jobs (timing, concessions, etc.). Veteran parents will train you.
  • If not volunteering, sit in the stands with other WFYD families and cheer.

 

 

4. Meet FAQ

What’s the difference between Dual Meets & Invitationals?

  • Dual Meet: Two teams, usually Saturday mornings, ~3–4 hours.

  • Invitational: Multiple teams, divided by age groups, can last 1–3 days.

What if my swimmer gets disqualified (DQ’d)?

  • DQs happen when stroke rules are broken.

  • It’s part of learning and helps swimmers improve. Coaches use DQs as teaching moments.

When will results be posted?

  • Official times/results are posted on the team website within a week.

  • Best time ribbons are placed in family folders within a month.

Are meets scored?

  • Yes some meets are scored like Yankee Clusters & Championships:

    • Individual: 1st = 6 pts, 2nd = 4, 3rd = 3, 4th = 2, 5th = 1

    • Relay: 1st = 8 pts, 2nd = 4, 3rd = 2

  • Invitationals are usually not scored, except Yankee Cluster Championships.

 

 

5. Parent FAQ

Team & Practice

  • WFYD Club Code: “WFYD-CT” is how our team appears at meets.
  • Practices: Aim for ⅔ of practices offered each week. Balance depends on fatigue, performance level, available time, and goals.
  • Equipment:

    • Meets: team suit & cap

    • Practices: one-piece suits (girls), jammers (boys), 2 pairs of goggles, cap, water bottle

    • Some groups require extra gear (see website under “Practices” tab).

Nutrition

Follow the “4 MORE, 4 LESS” rule:

  • More: complex carbs, lean protein, water/juice, fruits/veggies

  • Less: fast food, saturated fats, processed snacks, soda

Meet Information

  • Swimmers usually compete in 2–5 events per meet.

  • All swimmers must attend at least 2 meets to qualify for Yankee Cluster Championships.

  • All USA Swimmers must attend at least 2 USA meets

  • Swimmers must remain on deck with the team. Coaches will contact parents by phone for emergencies.

 

6. Communication & Accounts

TeamUnify Account

  • During registration, we will create a TeamUnify account using your email (username). Returning families use existing accounts.

    • If you haven’t received an set-up email from SportsEngine please contact Megan ASAP at [email protected] or at (203)269-4497

  • Your swimmer must be registered under their legal name and middle initial (no nicknames) for accurate entries and results.

  • USA Swimming registrations require an ID number generated from first, middle & last name + birthdate (used only for official purposes).

  • The primary email will be the main contact for team updates. Secondary emails can be added for other family members.

Team Communication

  • Parents: Speak with coaches before or after practice, not during. Email is convenient but may not get immediate replies. Many answers are posted in team notifications or event updates.

  • Swimmers: Coaches are available at practice for questions and at meets for event guidance.

Apps & Online Tools

  • SportsEngine Motion App (free): Connects to your TeamUnify account for results, meet info, notifications, and more.

  • Meet Mobile (paid subscription): Provides real-time meet results (WFYD subscribes for home meets).

  • Email & Text Alerts: Email is our primary communication. Text is used for urgent updates. Make sure your contact info is current.

 

7. USA Swimming Information

  • Families must declare USA meet intentions at the start of the season!

  • If plans change, email coaches promptly. Major changes can be made up to ~3 weeks before a meet; minor changes ~2 weeks before. After that, entries are final and financially binding. But this is always subject to change as it's at the meet hosts discretion.  The sooner you declare the better.

 

 

Final Notes

We’re thrilled to welcome you to the Dolphins family! Meets, practices, and team events are all about growth, teamwork, and FUN.

If you have questions:

  • Check the team website (especially the NEWS section).

  • Ask a veteran family.

  • Email coaches at [email protected].

Let’s have a fantastic season together—Go Dolphins!