Swim Meet 101 Information -- What you need to know to go to a meet
Swim meets are the heart of competitive swimming. The Butte Tarpons compete in 5 to 10 swim meets annually, although participation is voluntary. Tarpons qualify for the Montana State Championship meets by swimming in invitational and open meets in the state and region. Advanced swimmers may qualify for regional, zone, sectional, and national meets.
Swim meet information:
Swim meet entries need to be completed online approximately 3-5 DAYS prior to the swim meet's due date!
Information on other short course and long course swim meets in Montana as well as post-seasonal meets can also be found on the Montana Swimming website.
Information on attending a swim meet can be found in the team handbook in the documents section.
What to Bring to a Swim Meet
Swim meets are a fun experience and allow teammates to bond with each other. When packing for a swim meet, needs vary for each swimmer but here is a list of the basics needed. Pack in a backpack or duffle bag the following: swim suit, cap (an extra cap or two is good to bring), goggles (usually more than one pair in case your goggles or strap break at the meet), at least two towels, shampoo, conditioner, soap, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, sweat suit (top and bottoms as it can be cold sitting on deck), flip flops or sandals, and socks in case you get cold.
In the summer for outdoor swim meets, pack for Montana weather – you’ll need both warm and cold gear. Always wear plenty of sunscreen. It can be chilly in the morning so bring a warm coat and pants. For all swim meets bring a blanket to sit on and even a sleeping bag and pillow if you want to take a nap. For summer weather bring a tent or canopy to give you some shade and bring a chair or two for mom and dad. Bring something to do between races – such cards, book to read, music to listen to, electronic games or other easy to pack items to keep you occupied.
Always pack a snack and something to drink. Bring a water bottle and drink plenty of water at the meet. Sports drinks are okay to drink too but don’t forget to drink water to keep hydrated. Chocolate milk is a good recovery drink after races and practice. Good snacks to eat both before practice and at meets should include carbohydrates such as bagels (add some cream cheese if you like), granola bars, apples, bananas, grapes, watermelon, yogurt, cereal (with or without milk), turkey sandwich, pasta, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, spaghetti with sauce, pasta salad, fresh fruits and vegetables, applesauce, raisins, cup of noodles, cheese pizza, salad, bread, trail mix, muffins, pancakes, English muffins, and more. For more information on nutrition see the USA Swimming website.
