Meets

How to Sign Up:

  • Meet information is typically sent out 2-3 weeks prior to the meet date.
  • Register and choose events through the website. Coach allows each individual to choose their own events and is always willing to provide input.

Fees:

  • Meet fees are in addition to monthly dues. 
  • Each meet charges swimmers an entry fee at the host team's discretion, and the YMCA charges an additional coaches fee to pay for the coach's (or coaches') time on deck. 
  • Once all entries have been approved by the coach and submitted to the host team, the meet fees will be then submitted to the branch executive for processing.  At this point, each account will be charged the meet fees and families can pay the fee at the front desk.  Meet fees will not be on your account until at least two days after registration has closed.
  • There are no refunds for meet entries.  Once a swimmer has committed to the meet, their account will be charged for all required meet fees.  This includes both the entry fee and a coaching fee.

What to Bring:

  • SWIM GEAR: Swimmers are required to bring their choice of suit, goggles, a team cap (one cap will be provided upon swimmers' first meet attendance.  Additional caps can be purchased from the YMCA: $4 for latex and $14 for silicone), and team shirt. 
  • During cold months, swimmers should bring warm clothes and/or parkas to keep warm.  During warm months, swimmers are encouraged to bring sunscreen and loose clothing.
  • TOWELS: Swimmers are encouraged to also bring 1-2 towels and extra clothing to wear during their downtime. 
  • SNACKS: While concessions are provided at most meets, swimmers are encouraged to bring water/sports drinks, fruits or vegetables, and other healthy and easily digestible snacks.  Click here for meal and snack ideas.
  • CHAIRS: Families are encouraged to bring folding chairs and canopies (if available) to our outdoor meets.  This includes Newberry as a Y meet and any of our summer league meets. 
  • DOWNTIME ENTERTAINMENT: Blankets and water-safe activities are also encouraged.  We discourage the use of electronic devices at meets as they are easy to get wet or lost/stolen.
  • SHARPIES: Always bring a Sharpie to mark events on swimmers' arms or legs.  The marker is unable to come off in the water, so it is the preferred method to help swimmers remember their events.  Coaches and other parents are also reliable if you do forget to pack one.

Day of the Meet:

  • Where/When to Report: Meet warm-ups are assigned within a few days of the meet.  A coach will email parents meet warm-up times and lane assignments. 
  • Coaches will inform swimmers of their heat and lane assignments at the meet so that parents can mark their swimmer's arm.
  • Heat Sheets can be purchased at each meet. Heat Sheets give heat and lane assignments for all events.
  • Coaches will be watching swimmers at the meets, so swimmers must pay attention and line up for their events when necessary. 

Championship Meet Requirements

Any swimmer that wishes to attend a USA Championship meet (USA State, Age Group Sectionals) must be registered with USA Swimming and meet the time standard requirements at a meet that is USA sanctioned.

Any swimmer that wishes to attend CYSL  Championships (championship meet for YMCA teams) must attend a minimum of 2 YMCA sanctioned meets.  The time standard requirements can be found here.  

To qualify for YMCA Regionals, a swimmer must meet the time standard requirements and also attend a minimum of 2 YMCA sanctioned meets.