How to survive your first swim meet

This guide is designed to help families new to the swim team survive a swim meet.

Getting ready for the season

Many of the pools we swim at this summer will be outdoor pools and evedn the indoor pools (natatoriums) are often not quite big enough for the crowds. While none of these items are required, here is the inventory checklist of veteran swim families:

  • Sunscreen - A must have for all
  • Canopy - $75 - $200 depending on how fancy you want it
  • Camping Chairs - One for everyone
  • Cooler - Always have lots of cold water and snacks that won't melt
  • Entertainment - You will be at the meet for 4-6 hours, your child will swim for about 4 minutes (other than warm-ups). That only leaves 4-6 hours to kill

Before the meet

You've been driving and back forth to The Colony for most of the month of May to swim practice and it's finally time for the first meet. From a swim team perspective there is only one item you thing you need to do before the meet: register for your events. If you're not sure which events are best for your swimmer, ask your swimmer or a coach what they would recommend. You will need to register for your events the Monday before the swim meet this can be done on the team web site or at practice on Monday. Whenever possible, please use the team web site.

Arriving at the pool

The team web site will have directions to the pool if you have trouble locating the pool you can call the team hotline and we will try to guide you in. You'll know you are at the right place when you arrive and see that the parking lot is full and people are parking blocks away. Please obey all traffic and parking signs near the pools. If you are parked illegally there is a good chance you will be ticketed or towed.

Most regular season swim meets will have a $2 entry fee, make sure you bring cash for this. Regional and state meets will vary check the weekly email for more details. Not all pools have a concession stand we will make note of this whenever possible. You should always make sure you have plenty of water with you.

When you arrive you should locate the CARS tent and check in if you are swimming on a relay team. Failure to do so may result in your spot being given to another swimmer. The medley relays are first, so if you are swimming a relay, plan on being there at least fifeteen minutes before the schedule start time.

Paperwork at the pool?

Many regular season meets use deck slips to heat and track the times of the swimmers. Each team uses a different color, CARS uses yellow. You can get the deck slips at practice or the CARS tent on the day of the meet. You need to complete a deck slip for each event you swim. Events that are pre-heated (including regional and state) do not use deck slips.

As you enter you can usually buy an Event Sheet listing the order of events or Heat Sheet (if the meet is pre-heated). The cost for this will be between $0.25 and $1. You can download the standard Event Sheet from the Links & Downloads page.

Swimmers take your mark

You've laid claim to your 10x10 spot for the day; you've got your deck slips, now what? Most meets will have a heating board that shows which event numbers are currently being heated and which event number is currently swimming. When you see that your event is being heated you should take your swimmer to the heating area (usually near the starting blocks, away from the bleachers). Only swim meet officials and coaches are allowed in this area. Check that your swimmer has her goggles and cap, wish them luck, and go find a good spot to watch them race.

Don't be fooled by the pace of the meet. It's not unusual for the early events to go very slowly, you will think every 8 & Under girl in the Metroplex is there swimming the backstroke. The pace quickens as the event numbers get larger. It is each swimmer's responsibility to be in the heating area when their event is called. Many swimmers will use a marker and write their event numbers on their arms. This is not allowed during regional and state meets.

We're done swimming, now what?

Some meets will have your ribbons available shortly after the event. Check at the team table before you leave for the day. If they are not ready at the meet the will be in your family folder the following week. At most meets the swimmers can organize their own free relay team to swim at the end of the meet. Otherwise you are free to go home and collapse.

Need help at the meet?

The coaches are very busy working with swimmers that are currently racing. If you need help during a meet go to the team table or find a board member (wearing blue Aqua Racers shirts).


More Questions? Please email the AquaRacers Webmaster.