Ansley Sharks

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

What is a heat sheet?

A heat sheet is the printed list that tells swimmers what events they will compete in for each meet. It also defines the swimmer’s lane assignment per event. Lanes are typically assigned based on seed times, with the fastest swimmers in the center of the pool and in the earliest heats. Events are listed in order, alternating girls’ and boys’.

Example: See highlighted swimmer below Laniya Love 

(E) Event:13

(H) Heat: 2

(L) Lane: 6

When is the heat sheet issued?

• Often, a draft heat sheet is sent on the morning of the meet. Please ensure your swimmer’s name appears on the draft. If your swimmer is not listed on the draft heat sheet, notify Bobbie Bell as soon as possible. Remember that events, lanes, and heats may change from the draft heat sheet to the final heat sheet.
• The final heat sheet will be sent out through Team Unify early in the afternoon on the day of the meet. Use it to mark your swimmer before you come to the meet and print a copy for yourself.

What does it mean to mark my swimmer?

• You will literally write your swimmer’s events on his or her body! Here’s how:

  1. Spray or slather your child with sunscreen and let it dry for 10 minutes. Sunscreen removes Sharpie, so dry time is important.
  2. Use a Sharpie.
  3. Write your swimmer's name in their back near their right shoulder.
  4. Look at the heat sheet and highlight your swimmers events.
  5. Write "EHL" (event, heat, lane) in a grid on the swimmer's arm, hand, or leg.
  6. Write the event name/stroke to the right of the lane.
  7. For relays, be sure to mark which leg of the relay your swimmer is 1,2,3,4 and the stroke - FR(ee), B(ac)K, (butter)FLY, or BR(east).
  8. Write so it reads right-side-up to the child.

How do we “check in” for a meet?

When you arrive to the meet, your swimmer will need to immediately go to the den parent for their age group who will check the swimmer in and ensure that the arm is marked correctly. There will be signs marking each den.

What is a den?

Swimmers stay in a designated area with same age and gender swimmers before and between events (e.g. 6U girls, 9-10 boys, etc). We call this area a “den”. Den Parent volunteers supervise the dens and ensure swimmers report to their assigned races.

Remind your swimmer to stay in his or her den and listen to the den parent. Events run very quickly and the swimmer must be present when the den parent lines up the swimmers and walks them to the block for their event. Den parents cannot leave the den to search for your child. Similarly, swimmers need to return to the den after swimming to prepare for the next event. If a swimmer needs to go to the bathroom he or she should inform their den parent that they are leaving and when they have returned.

What does the swimmer wear to a swim meet?

• Team swim suit or all black swim suit. Team suits can be ordered from Augusta Swim.
• Team t-shirt: if you have not already received one, pick it up at the towel shop.
• Flip flops or sandals

What do we pack in my swimmer’s bag?

• Goggles
• Team swim cap
• Two towels: towels are not provided for meets
• Water bottle: It gets hot! Please make sure your child has enough liquids to stay hydrated.
• Activities
  • Caution: Electronic devices are easily stepped on, rained on, dripped on, or otherwise damaged
  • Cards, games, and books are good choices
• Food/Drinks: A dinner buffet is provided at away and home meets and is purchased by member number. Snack bars may be available as well. In addition, we suggest you pack healthy snacks BUT NO NUTS (there are severe allergies on the team)
• LABEL EVERYTHING WITH YOUR SWIMMER'S NAME PLEASE!

Do we stay for the whole meet?

• If your swimmer’s events are complete, you can leave. But we’d love it if you stayed to cheer your teammates!
• Be sure your swimmer cleans up his or her belongings and trash before leaving.

What if it rains during a practice or a meet?

Our facilities monitor thunder and lightning constantly. If poor weather is too close to the facility for safe swimming, the official will pause the swim practice or meet. Swimmers will be told where their safe lightning/thunder place will be and should stay with their den to go to that location if necessary.

What are fun practices?

Fun practices happen the morning after the meet. These practices offer an opportunity for team building and fun because all the swimmers can practice together. AM practice times change on this day.

What are meet awards?

Meet awards are always 6pm on the Tuesday after the meet and practice times are adjusted to allow for this. The coaches recap the meet and recognize swimmers’ accomplishments. Swimmers collect their ribbons and parents share the celebration.

How do I show my Shark spirit?

Ansley parents usually wear white with green accessories to the meet to show their team spirit. Swimmers can write encouraging notes on their fellow swimmers, wear their team t-shirts, and cheer positively for their teammates!