Swim Meet Preparation

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A comprehensive guide to help parents and swimmers prepare for swim meets. From what to pack to understanding meet procedures, this guide will help make your swim meet experience positive and stress-free.

Before the Meet

What to Pack

  • Team swimsuit
  • Team cap (plus a backup)
  • 2-3 towels
  • Goggles (plus a backup pair)
  • Water bottle
  • Healthy snacks
  • Warm clothes (sweatshirt, pants, parka)
  • Flip flops or deck sandals
  • Activities for downtime (books, games, etc.)
  • Folding chairs for outdoor meets
  • Sunscreen for outdoor meets
  • Sharpie marker for writing events on hand

Before the Meet

  • Review the meet information packet for start times, warm-up schedule, and location details
  • Help your swimmer check which events they're entered in
  • Pack swim bag the night before (see packing list below)
  • Plan to arrive at least 45-60 minutes before warm-up time
  • Check the team website for any last-minute updates

During the Meet

  • Check in with coaches upon arrival
  • Help younger swimmers find the clerk of course for event lineup
  • Stay positive and supportive regardless of results
  • Encourage good sportsmanship and team spirit
  • Remember that coaches give technical feedback - parents give emotional support

During the Meet

Common Disqualifications

Freestyle

  • Walking on the bottom of the pool
  • Pulling on lane lines
  • Not touching the wall on a turn

Backstroke

  • Rolling past vertical (onto stomach) during the swim
  • Improper turn (rolling too early)
  • Not finishing on the back

Breaststroke

  • Scissor kick or flutter kick
  • Non-simultaneous arm or leg movements
  • More than one underwater pull after start or turn
  • Head not breaking surface before hands turn inward at widest part of second stroke

Butterfly

  • Non-simultaneous arm movements
  • Underwater recovery
  • Alternating leg movements (flutter kick)
  • Touch with one hand at turn or finish

How to Handle Disqualifications

  • Stay positive: Disqualifications are part of the learning process.
  • Focus on improvement: Use it as an opportunity to work on technique.
  • Ask the coach: They can explain what happened and how to fix it.
  • Encourage your swimmer: Remind them that even Olympic swimmers get disqualified sometimes.

After the Meet

Introduction

Swim meets are a key part of the summer league, held every weekend from early July to late August, with the Provincial Championships in mid-August. Preparation is crucial for a smooth experience.

Quick Links

First Meet Jitters?

It's normal for both swimmers and parents to be nervous before their first meet. Remember that coaches and experienced team families are there to help!

Don't hesitate to ask questions - we were all new once!