Parent Swim Meet Survival Guide 

  •   Coordinate with the coaches when signing up for events
  •   Pay attention to meets, some have high point awards (swim max # events for max chance at points)
  •   LC= Long Course 50 meters (summer outdoor May-Jul)
  •   SC= Short Course 25 yards  (winter indoor Sep-Mar)
  •   Check in with coaching staff before and after races
  •   Be at the Starting blocks at least two heats before your race is called
  •   DQ = disqualification, official will raise hand indicating infraction
  •   Age at state- must make qualifying time for your age group at time of state (first day)
  •   Timers at meets are by volunteer; all teams expected to provide timers
  •    Missing a race at state =scratch for a day, miss at state finals =scratch for meet (so, scratch your swimmer if not going to race)
  •    Over the top starts= in Free, Fly and Breast.  Swimmer will stay in the water until next race starts (used to speed up meets)
  •   Scoring is by age group
  •   Typical points awarded by place- 20 (1st) 17 (2nd) 16(3rd) (down from there)
  •   Finals for ages 15-21 use A and B finals  (short course state)
  •   Finals- state meet and some long course meets, # of lanes = # of final qualifiers, next two are alternates
  •   Finals variations include AB and ABC finals which include more swimmers
  •   Short course- 8 and under and 9-10 age groups swim prelims only and 11 and up swim finals
  •   Long course- 9-10 swim finals along with the 11 and up

Program  

  •   Programs are available at the meet for a fee, use highlighter to mark swimmer or team events
  •   Usually Odd Events: Girls
  •   Usually Even Events: Boys
  •   I.M. swam in this order  Fly, Back, Breast, Free
  •   Medley relay swam in this order Back, Breast, Fly, Free
  •   Relays =4 kids. (At state in same age group)
  •   BB= State qualifier
  •   B= Can swim at state if has at least one BB time
  •   A =USA swimming motivator
  •   AA=USA swimming motivator
  •   NT = no seed time in event
  •   Lanes, fastest to slowest: 4,5,3,6,2,7,1,8 (8 lane) 3,4,2,5,1,6 (6 lane)
  •   Heats are based on times, not ages (may swim next to younger or older swimmer)
  •   Conversion times – Coach may use other course (LC / SC) time for seeding (can be used for state time)
  •   Swimmer/ Parents use sharpie to mark the days schedule on legs or arms of swimmer in format below

  E.g.         E             H             L

                 3               5              4              50 Freestyle

 

 

Miscellaneous 

  •   Recommended swimmer needs- Towels, suit, (2) goggles, sunscreen for LC
  •   Either sit in stands or set up a camp (for stands stadium chairs are nice)
  •   Bring something for swimmer to do – Books, cards, video player, games, homework
  •   Bring something for you to do –Books, knitting, ???
  •   Camps are a good way to let team stay together, so set up next to other Peak swimmers.
  •   Long Course camp – shade, sun screen, lawn chairs, cooler, snacks
  •   Short Course camp – lawn chairs, cooler, blanket, snacks
  •   Concessions are normally available at meets
  •   Eat meals at healthy restaurants (pasta, sub sandwiches) ask team or coaches for recommendations
  •   Popular restaurant choices include Subway and Italian restaurants
  •   Meet snacks should include pasta, fruits, nuts with water, or Gatorade
  •   Variety of lodging options include; pet friendly, cook in your room, or free breakfast (ask team or coaches).  Sometimes blocks of rooms are available
  •   Make reservations early, especially for state