SWIM MEETS & WHAT TO EXPECT
Where to find the meet forms:
We utilize TeamUnify's online commitment form. This allows swimmers and parents pick the sessions they plan to attend and the events they wish to swim. The coaches’ philosophy is that swimmers can select their three events, but the coach will have the authority to change two of them if needed to meet both individual swimmer and team goals. Prior to each meet, an email will be sent out with directions on how to declare meet attendance.
Where to locate your swimmer’s best times/results:
Virtually all of the teams in the EFSL (including us) use Active.com’s Meet Mobile swim meet app, which provides real-time meet results. See Meet Mobile’s website for more information: http://www.active.com/mobile/meet-mobile-app. The Meet Mobile designation for the current meet will be posted on the Swordfish Facebook page prior to the start of the meet. The results of each meet will also be posted on the Swordfish Facebook page within a few days of the conclusion of the meet.
What to bring to a meet:
- Team swim cap
- Extra goggles
- 2-4 towels
- Team suit
- Drinks- water
- Snacks – energy foods, fruits, veggies, sandwiches, etc. (Note: At most meets, the hosting team will run a snack bar with reasonable prices.)
- Parka or warm clothes in cold weather
- Footwear
- Some swimmers like to bring sleeping bags or blankets
- Games, books, cards, etc.
It is also a good practice to label your swimmers clothes and suits to help identify them if they are forgotten after a practice or meet.
What to expect at a meet:
Arrive on time for warm up: Coaches will also instruct swimmers as to the time they should arrive at the meet for warm up. Times vary with each meet. Coaches should have a tentative time line for the meet.
Note: Most Swordfish families sit together at the swim meets. This is a great way to get to know the Swordfish families and swimmers. It also builds great camaraderie. Swimmers enjoy cheering for each other.
Check in and arm marking: At home meets, upon arrival Swordfish swimmers should report to the check-in table. At the check-in table the swimmer confirms the events they are entered to swim and have his/her arm marked. During arm-marking, a volunteer will write the swimmer’s event numbers on their arm with a sharpie marker to help keep track of his/her events for the day. At away meets, Swordfish swimmers should report to their coach for instructions on events and arm-marking.
Report to the Swordfish coach: Report to Swordfish coach for any last minute information/warm ups.
Warm-up with your Swordfish teammates: Coaches will get the swimmers warmed up before the start of the meet.
Marshalling and Posting of Events: Swimmers need to watch for the posting of their events so they know what lane and heat they are swimming. The races are normally posted on an easel, wall or fence on the pool deck. They are separated into girls and boys postings and by age group. Swimmers are responsible for knowing what heat and lane they are swimming. When a swimmer’s events are posted, he/she should report to marshalling immediately and follow the marshaller’s instruction.
After the Race: The swimmer should report back to the coach directly after his/her race. The coach may provide feedback on the swimmer’s race and then sends the swimmer to warm down. It is important to warm down after each event!
