Frequently Asked Questions for New Swim Parents

What does my swimmer need for a meet?
First, they need their basic equipment. A suit, goggles, swim cap, and a towel. Additionally, each swimmer is
encouraged to bring:
- A parka or warm clothing to wear between events. Athletes must keep their bodies and warm and relaxed.
- Plenty of liquids to drink (water or sports drink like Gatorade or Powerade w/ 6-8% carbohydrates).
- A healthy snack for fuel (bagel, fruit, energy bar etc…). No candy, soda, or junk food.
- Sunscreen to wear.

How should I help my child prepare for a meet?
Sleep, nutrition, hydration, and mental preparation. These are factors that greatly impact a swimmers’
performance in the pool. Obviously, these are areas that are primarily done away from the pool deck where a
coach cannot supervise. As parents, you have the ability to help your swimmer make healthy choices, which
will help him to be the strongest competitor possible.

How do I respond if my child swims poorly? Why aren’t they swimming consistently?
This of course can happen. During the season, their coach is focusing on the process of making them swim
more efficiently. This means changing parts of their stroke at times or giving them specific areas to focus on
while racing that may slow them down at first. Be patient and supportive in those moments. As a parent, we
would ask that you remain positive! Their coach will discuss their race with them. There is nothing wrong with a
swimmer negatively evaluating a race. Part of the experience is learning to deal with setbacks and various
roadblocks that must be overcome. The important thing is for them not to dwell on it. It is important that they
begin to focus on their next event.

Feel free to ask any other questions that may arise!

Swim Glossary

Backstroke (Back) - one of the four competitive racing strokes, basically any style of swimming on your back.
Blocks - the starting platforms located behind each lane.
Breaststroke (Breast) - one of the four competitive racing strokes.
Butterfly (Fly) - One of the four competitive racing strokes.
Deck - area around the swimming pool reserved for swimmer, officials, and coaches.
Disqualified (DQ) - A swimmer's performance is not counted because of a rule infraction. A
disqualification is shown by an official raising one arm with open hand above their head.
Dual Meet - type of meet where two school teams compete against each other.
False Start - when a swimmer leaves the starting block before the horn or gun.
Free Relay - a swimming event in which four swimmers participate as a relay team, each swimmer swimming
an equal distance of the freestyle stroke.
Freestyle (Free) - one of the four competitive racing strokes. Considered the fastest.
IM (Individual Medley) - swimming event using all four of the competitive strokes on consecutive lengths of
the race.
Long Course - a 50 meter pool. 
Medley Relay - a swimming event in which four swimmers participate as a relay team, each swimmer
swimming an equal distance of a different competitive stroke.
Touch Pad - The removable plate that is connected to an automatic timing system. A swimmer must properly
touch the touchpad to register an official time in a race.