Understanding the Roles of Coaches, Parents, and Swimmers at Swim Meets
(Adapted in alignment with USA Swimming guidelines and team standards)

Swim meets are an important part of every swimmer’s development — a time to apply training, build confidence, and support teammates. To ensure meets run smoothly and remain positive experiences for everyone, it’s essential that coaches, parents, and swimmers each understand their roles and responsibilities. 

1. The Coach’s Role

Coaches are responsible for the overall direction, safety, and performance of the swimmers during competition.

During meet, coaches:

• Prepare swimmers for their races through warm-ups and race strategy discussions.

• Observe any swimmers in the warm up/cool down part of the pool (OSL requirement).

• Provide last-minute reminders and encouragement before races.

• Give feedback after races, focusing on technique, effort, and attitude.

• Serve as the team’s official representative to meet referees and officials.

Coaches should remember: To remind their swimmers about all the hard work that they have put in at practice and encourage them to swim their best.

2. The Parent’s Role

Parents are essential to the success of every meet — both as volunteers and as emotional supporters for their athletes.

During meets, parents:

• Ensure their swimmer(s) arrive(s) on time, ready to warm up and compete. 

• Help younger swimmers stay organized (goggles, cap, water, towel, snacks) and pay close attention to the timeline of events so their swimmer(s) are ready when the coaches call them on deck for their event. 

• Stay positive — cheer for effort and sportsmanship, not just for wins.

• Refrain from criticizing swimmers, coaches, or officials.

• Encourage independence — allow the experienced swimmer to check in, report to the coach, and prepare for races.

• Fulfill assigned volunteer duties (timing, officiating, hospitality, etc.), which are vital to running the meet.

Parents should remember: Their  role is to provide unconditional support and encouragement. The coach will handle technical feedback and race evaluation.  Parents should discuss with their swimmer’s coach if they have any questions about the events or official’s calls during the meet.

3. The Swimmer’s Role

Swimmers are the focus of the meet — and learning to take ownership of their participation is part of their growth as athletes.

During meets, swimmers:

• Arrive on time for warm-ups with all gear ready.

• Check in for events and know their event numbers, heats, and lanes.

• Pay close attention to the meet so they are aware of their upcoming events.  

• Meet with their coach before and after each race.

• Cheer for teammates and demonstrate good sportsmanship.

• Take care of their bodies — stay hydrated, rest between events, and eat healthy snacks.

• Respect meet officials, coaches, volunteers, and fellow competitors. 

Swimmer reminders: Compete with effort, integrity, and aloha — every race is a learning opportunity.

Team Meet Etiquette

• Team caps should be worn at all meets unless otherwise instructed.

• Swimmers stay in the team area during meets unless excused by the coach.

• Respect the facility and leave the area cleaner than you found it.

• Celebrate personal bests and team spirit, regardless of placement.

In Summary

“The most successful swim programs are those where coaches, parents, and swimmers work together in mutual respect and understanding, each fulfilling their unique role.”
— USA Swimming Parent Education Resource