SWIM MEET GUIDELINES & TIPS
BE PREPARED
- You will receive ANY meet info from our Team Admin (Coach Kelsey), as it comes in from the meet host. Be sure to read all the info. It can be a lot and overwhelming, BUT very helpful.
- Time your trip from your house TO the meet pool the night before the meet. Be sure to leave plenty of time for traffic and parking.
- Parents are NOT ALLOWED on deck or in the locker rooms per USA swimming Safe Sport Rules.
- Make sure your swimmer can carry all their belongings on their own.
- Swimmer(s) should know their event info. Even if the program has not been sent out yet, swimmer(s) should at least know which events they are swimming.
- EXAMPLE of events written on hand
BE ON TIME
- Swimmer(s) should plan to arrive on the pool deck with their suit on AT LEAST 15 minutes before the start of our team’s scheduled warm up time.
- Please encourage your swimmer(s) to hustle if you are running late.
WARM UPS
- Swim meet warm ups are VERY IMPORTANT. The coaching staff cannot express how important it is for swimmers to warm up before a swim meet. Each group has a set meet warm up organized by the coach that matches the age and developmental level of the group.
- Here are a few articles that can help explain the purpose of warming up before a swim meet:
- The Swim Meet Warm Up: Everything You Need to Know About Preparing to Swim Fast
- Is a Proper Warm Up the Key to Swimming Fast?
- Not only is warming up before a meet important, but cooling down (when age appropriate) is also important. Cool down should not be used to play in the pool or practice your skills. Cool down should be purposeful.
- Here is an article that can help explain the purpose of cooling down:
COMMUNICATION
- Always be in contact with your swimmer(s) coach regarding any changes that may occur days leading up to or day of the meet. The coaching staff needs to know if your swimmer(s) will be at the meet, especially if the meet is a “scratch meet”.
ATTIRE
- Swimmer(s) are expected to wear COLUMBIA CLIPPERS TEAM ATTIRE. Each swimmer should have received three t-shirts at the beginning of the season.
- If your swimmer did not receive a t-shirt, please email Coach Lenore with your swimmer(s) name and size you need at [email protected]
FOOD/SNACKS
- NO GLASS! Please DO NOT send your swimmer(s) with any glass items including water bottles or food containers. This is a safety precaution and also the rule to all aquatic facilities.
- Please be mindful of the types of snacks and meals you give your swimmer(s) for swim meets. Fast food or take out food is not recommended. Also, we all know that kiddos can be messy - please pack food items that are easier to clean up.
- Here are some articles on food suggestions:
- What To Eat During Swimming Competitions
- What Swimmers Should Eat Before, During, and After a Swim Meet?
CLEANLINESS
- Please encourage your swimmer(s) to keep our area clean. We are guests at most facilities, and we should leave the place cleaner than it was before we arrived.
- Swimmers should keep their belongings in their own swim bags instead of scattering their belongings. This will prevent swimmers from misplacing their items.
