Practice & Meet Etiquette

Success in swimming starts with good habits, both in and out of the pool. By following the expectations below, Lake Forest swimmers help create a focused, respectful, and supportive team environment. These guidelines ensure every athlete is physically and mentally prepared to give their best effort, whether at practice or at a meet.

Practice Expectations

  • Arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete your dryland stretching before practice begins. This is required and helps prepare your body to perform and stay injury-free.

  • Be ready to start on time with your suit on and all gear prepared.

  • Phones should stay in your bag for the entire practice, including during dryland.

  • Bring all required equipment each day, including a filled water bottle. If you need to borrow anything, please do so before practice begins.

  • At the end of practice, take everything with you. This includes equipment, water bottles, and any trash. Help keep our pool area clean.

  • When a coach is giving instructions, listen respectfully and avoid distracting others.

  • Give your full effort during every part of practice, including warmup, drills, main sets, and cooldown.

  • Swimmers must always swim on the right side of the lane and follow proper circle swimming at all times.

  • If you need to pass someone, gently tap their foot once. If your foot is tapped, move over to the side of the lane near the lane lines and allow the swimmer behind you to pass safely.

Meet Expectations

  • Arrive prepared with everything you need for the meet. This may include:

    • Your team suit, cap, and goggles

    • One or two towels (it’s helpful to have a dry one for the end of the meet)

    • Water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized

  • Know your events and understand your race plan for each one.

  • Be on deck and ready at the time your coach has instructed. Warmup space is limited, so be prompt.

  • After finishing a race, swimmers should remain in the water and wait for the swimmers in the lanes next to them to finish. It is good sportsmanship to shake hands with the swimmers in nearby lanes before exiting the pool.

  • Cheer for your teammates and show your Lake Forest pride. You are also welcome to support swimmers from other teams.

  • When you are not racing or cheering, feel free to relax. Spend time talking with friends, playing quiet games, connecting with coaches or parents, or watching the meet. Try to limit time on phones or other devices.

  • Keep your seating area clean. Pick up after yourself and throw away any trash.

  • If you are swimming in a morning session, try to wake up at least one to two hours before your first event. Giving your body time to fully wake up can make a big difference in your performance.

By showing up early, staying engaged, and supporting one another, we create the kind of team culture that leads to both personal growth and team success. Let’s continue representing Lake Forest with pride at every practice and meet.