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Preparing for Swim Meets
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>Swim Meets
What you need to know
(Adapted by the Cougar
Coaching Staff from **insert web address here**)
Here is some information to help you prepare for, understand, and enjoy your swimmer's competitions (see Glossary of Swimming Terms in Appendix A for more help on the italicized words).
Make sure your swimmer eats properly and rests prior to each meet. Your swimmer needs to eat a big meal before they come to the pool. They should have it finished about 30-60 minutes before Warm Ups. This meal will need to carry them through 30-40 minutes of constant swimming during warm up, 3 - 4 races, and cool downs, all in a 4 - 5 hour period. It needs to be big, but comfortable. Let them eat what they like, within reason: 40%-30%-30% carbohydrates-fat-protein is a good mix. For regular meets, a good night's sleep is essential. For championship meets, rest is extremely important. It supports the taper, so keep the extracurricular activities to a minimum!
Get to the pool early - in time to find a parking spot, get into the facility, for your swimmer to change, check in with the coach, and to be ready for Warm Ups. Our coaches want our swimmers on deck 10-15 minutes prior to the beginning of Warm Ups (we post the report time on the Cougar Aquatic Webpage prior to each meet), so they can get organized and stretch. It's generally best to have younger swimmers already in their suits when they get to the pool. Some pools have drop off areas to let the swimmers out before you look for a parking spot. Swimmers should be dressed appropriately for the weather, as sometimes they will be walking a distance to get inside.
On the way in, you can usually
purchase a Meet Program (Heat Sheet) for $1-$5. In New Jersey
swimming most meets are deck seeded, so the Meet Program is a Psyche
Sheet, which lists the swimmers by event and entry time. It also
includes the meet schedule and other important
Most venues don't allow food on
the deck. Often, the host team runs a Concession Stand/Snack bar
that sells food and drink items. Some venues allow coolers in the
spectator seating areas - you can bring your own drinks and snacks for you
and your swimmer/siblings. Be
sure to read the meet
The swimmers usually stretch for about 10 minutes before they begin warming up in the pool. Teams are generally assigned lanes and times for their sessions. The coaches control warm ups which are designed to get the swimmer's muscles/bodies warmed up and loose and to work on technique and race strategies (i.e. pacing).
New Jersey swim teams will ask all participating teams to provide parent volunteers to help time. The number of swimmers we have entered into the meet determines the number of volunteers our team is asked to provide. When possible, Cougar parents will be assigned positions and time slots that will be posted on the Cougar Aquatic Website several days before the meet. It is the responsibility of the parents to check to see whether or not they have been assigned and find a substitute if they are unable to make it. If you are unable to make it you should contact other parents directly and you are asked NOT to contact the coaches or the Webmaster. After Warm Ups, the Meet Staff usually performs the last test of the Timing System and briefs the Timers. If they are for some reason short-handed at this point they will announce a request for additional volunteers. If you not already signed up to time, please feel free to volunteer to help time, but do not feel obligated as we will already have timers down there. However, keep in mind that a lack of timers will delay the start of the swim meet.
At some point after warm ups, the
host team will post the Heat Sheets. This
is a good time for the swimmer to go to that area and mark their hands
with their race
Most host teams play the National Anthem at the beginning of the session to honor our country and begin the meet. Swimmers for the first event should be lined up behind the blocks and ready to swim (the Announcer will normally call swimmers to the block by event). The Referee will signal the swimmers to get ready and to step up. The Starter will give the start command and start the race. The Stroke & Turn Judges will observe each race to ensure the competitors follow the technical rules. (See Know the Officials on page 21 and Know the Rules on page 22 for further explanation.) If swimmers violate the rules, they will be disqualified (DQ'd). For younger swimmers, you should view the DQ, not as punishment, but as constructive criticism to help them learn to swim legally. It identifies for the swimmer and his/her coach an area that needs to be worked on and improved.
In New Jersey Swimming, swimmers can swim up to three events and one relay per day. For 8&under events, the host team usually has parent volunteers assigned to help the younger swimmers get lined up in the right order (remember, parents aren't allowed on deck unless they are working the meet).
During the swim, cheer for your swimmer (and their friends/teammates)! Good sportsmanship starts with you. Remember that improvement and personal accomplishments are more important than winning.
Many venues have scoreboards that display the running times for each heat. These times are not official, however. The Timing Judge will determine the Official Times and the Recorder will publish the results (usually posted by a volunteer on a wall in an accessible area in the venue). You can write down your swimmer's splits/times for them to review later.
After the race, they can come to the spectator seating area to see you. Praise them and their effort. But remember to let the coaches’ coach! Please refer to the Ten Commandments for Swimming Parents on Page 7.
Generally, after the individual
events but sometimes before, relay events are competed. In regular
meets, the coaches will set up the relay teams based on the swimmers who
are participating in the meet. Swimmers
are responsible for knowing whether or not they are signed up for a relay.
You can check the meet
At some meets, the host team will have a Swim Shop vendor at the venue. They will have swimwear items for sale, so you'll be able to purchase suits, goggles, shirts, towels, sandals, bags - most anything your swimmer needs at a meet.
Meets are a lot of fun! It's a good time to get to know the other members of the Cougar Family. Sit together, talk, and help each other learn about the sport, our kids, and their friends. But don't speak badly of the Cougar Family - you never know when a prospective swimmer/sibling/parent is listening!
It takes a lot of workers to run a swim meet. Usually, the host team's parents fill these volunteer positions. You should consider helping whenever possible, and make sure to say thanks to the meet staff and officials.
At the end of the meet, make sure you and your swimmer(s) gather all their belongings and clean up their area before leaving the facility.
Is your mind spinning yet?!?!
This is a lot to comprehend ... don't worry; you'll catch on quickly!!
Swim Meet Timers
Timers are a significant resource at swim meets and play a very important role in the success of the swimmers and in the smooth operation of a meet. Most New Jersey host teams rely on parents from participating clubs to share the responsibility. On very few occasions, some host teams use their own members as timers or even bring in outside volunteers. Cougar parents will be assigned as volunteer timers for meets sporadically throughout the season. Timing assignments are assigned by a parent volunteer before each meet and then posted to the Cougar Team Website after being distributed through the team’s e-mail distribution list. Timing assignments are done based upon entries. If your child is entered into a meet, please make sure you check the timing assignments to see if you have been selected as a timer. It is your sole responsibility to find a replacement should you not be able for the time slot that you were assigned to time. You should not e-mail the Webmaster or any of the coaches to find a replacement for you. Be courteous to your fellow Members by being on time for shift relief and share the responsibility equally, during the meet and from meet to meet.
USA Swimming sanctioned meets use 3 timing systems: automatic (electronic touch pads), semi-automatic (buttons which stop the automatically started clock), and manual (digital watches). Usually, there are 2 timers per lane: one operates a button and a watch, while the other operates a button and writes the watch time on the cards or lane timer slips. The person with the clipboard is the Head Lane Timer.
Swimmers line up behind the starting blocks by lanes/heat for their swims. The Head Lane Timer ensures the correct swimmer is present to swim by checking the name of the swimmer against the card, lane timer slip, or heat sheet. Perform this check prior to the Referee's series of short whistles (that notifies the swimmers and timers it's time for the next heat). At the series of short whistles, make sure your swimmer is ready to swim and standing behind the block. When the Referee blows the long whistle (that signals the swimmers to step up onto the blocks), make sure your swimmer is stepping up. Sometimes it's confusing and difficult to hear - you must be alert and attentive. If a swimmer misses their heat, they can be disqualified. If there's a problem, get the Referee's attention immediately.
Once all the swimmers are on the blocks, the Referee will turn the heat over to the Starter. The Starter will only say, "Take your mark", and then sound the start signal. The Referee and Starter are located on the side of the pool along with the Start Console. The Start Console emits the audio start signal and a simultaneous visual flash. Start your watch on the flash, not on the sound (do not push the button). If you miss the flash, start your watch on the sound of the start signal. Find a spot near your lane where you can see. If your watch fails to start (or stops during the race), raise it over your head and get the attention of the Chief Timer (usually called Head Timer). He/She will bring you another watch. Always start your watch for every heat, even if you don't have a swimmer in your lane. Another timer may need it.
If your swimmer misses their heat,
write "NS" on the card or lane timer sheet. If your
swimmer gets out of the pool before the end of their race, write "DNF"
on the card or lane timer sheet. During the race, count the laps of
your swimmer. If it's 200Y/M or longer, mark them on the card, lane
timer slip, or heat sheet, so you don't loose count. Don't rely on
the scoreboard or lane counter! You need this
Stop your watch and push the button at the end of the race when any part of your swimmer's body touches any part of the wall. Don't worry if it's legal or not - that's the Stroke & Turn Judge's responsibility. Get right up to the edge of the pool and look down for the touch . . . don not be afraid to get wet. Also, don't anticipate the touch. Push the button only once - that's all it takes. Every time you push it, the computer records a new time. Once you stop the watch and push the button, step back away from the blocks and record the watch time. Write the time to the hundredth of a second without rounding (i.e., 33.49). If you missed the finish, write "NT" on the card or lane timer slip. Don't try to match your time to the time on the scoreboard - it shouldn't be the same. If there's a big discrepancy, report it to the Chief Timer. A Runner will collect the card or lane timer slips after each heat or event, respectively.
At the end of the race, things get very crowded at the blocks - 2 or 3 timers, an official, and some screaming swimmers. Move the swimmers back and work with the official to share the space. Also if your swimmer is having difficulty getting out of the pool after the race, help them.
If the swimmer misses the touchpad or hits it late, write that (and any other anomaly) on the card or lane timer slip.
For relays, check the name of each swimmer and make sure they swim in that order. If they don't, make a note on the card and notify the Referee.
Stay back behind the blocks, except when stopping your watch and pushing your button at the end of the race. If you get between the blocks at the start, you may block the Starter and/or Referee's line of sight to the heat. Your movement could also distract them or a swimmer during the start.
For 25Y/50M events, your swimmer may start at the opposite end of the pool from where you are standing. In this case, make sure to check your swimmer's name at the end of the race. If it's not the right swimmer, write their name on the card or lane timer slip and notify the Chief Timer.
Some meets use overhead starts - swimmers in the previous heat remain in the water for the start of the subsequent heat. This saves time and gives the swimmers a little rest at the end of their race. You may occasionally have to remind your swimmer to stay in the water. Things will be moving pretty quickly, so you must pay attention to the whistles and where you are in the race. The Referee's short whistles will come before the race is over (usually when the swimmers are about halfway out on the last lap) and the long whistle will come when the last swimmer touches the wall. You have to get your swimmer up, stop the watch and hit the button, record the watch time, clear the watch, and get ready for the start quickly. It takes teamwork. If we are not using overhead starts, make sure your swimmer quickly moves back behind the blocks - if they want their times, give it to them there, not up at the edge of the pool.
If you need a break to go to the restroom, notify the Chief Timer. He/She will get a relief timer for your lane.
It's very important that you take your responsibility seriously. The swimmers work hard and are giving it their best shot. They deserve the same in return. You help keep the meet flowing smoothly by making sure swimmers are ready for their races. And, if using an automatic timing system, it usually operates correctly and provides the swimmers their Official Times, often the Timing Judge needs your backup times to determine the Official Time when the system malfunctions.
We couldn't run swim meets without timers - your help is essential and appreciated - thank you!!
Swim Bag Packing List
Essentials for the Meet
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Team Suit - Always pack a spare suit (they do fall apart sometimes!). You should never rely on a swim shop to be available at a swim meet as they are not always invited to all meets.
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Team Swim Cap - Pack two, they tear easily! Team latex caps are available from the coach. Team silicone caps are available for sale through the Cougar Parents Association.
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Team T-Shirt - To ward off the chill and look like a team.
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Goggles - At least two pair (straps break!). You can also pack extra straps, so favorite goggles can be saved (but, replacement takes time - thus the need for an extra pair). Always alternate two pair during practice. NEVER wear untested, new goggles at a meet. (Read more goggle
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Deck Sandals - There's plenty of ways to pick up infection and get injured around the pool. MAKE them wear sandals on EVERY pool deck - inside or outside! Their primary means of propulsion is their feet!
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Towels - Pack at least two (big ones). Everything around the pool gets wet!
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Something Warm to Wear - Team warm up suit, or Team sweats, or Team fleece jacket; more towels (swimmers like to wrap themselves in towels - it's easy!).
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Water Bottle - A big one, with water in it! Or bottles of sports drink. Swimmers dehydrate easily. They don't realize they are sweating! All swimmers are expected to be sipping on fluids throughout the course of all swim meets. No exceptions.
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Ear Drops - Usually, a vinegar/alcohol solution in a glycerin base - you don't want to deal with swimmer's ear. Use after practice and meets. Every practice. Every meet.
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Baby Powder - To lightly dust inside of latex swim caps after drying them; keeps them from sticking together (and then tearing when you try to pull sides apart) and makes them easier to put on! (A small sample size of baby powder will last a long time).
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Toiletries - Swim shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush, comb, contact solution, girls-only stuff, deodorant, and other bathroom stuff.
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A DRY Change of Clothes - For after the meet (to remain dry in a swim bag they must be in a separate compartment or Ziploc bag!).
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Sharpie Marker or Pen - For marking E/H/L
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Inhalers- If your child is asthmatic, this is the most important thing they own. Different environments have different triggers that can set off an attack. Tell the coach if your child has asthma and where they can find their inhalers! Pack their inhalers! Same for other medications.
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Tylenol / Motrin - For older swimmers, these are good for headaches and body aches.
ALSO BRING:
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A Highlighter - For marking your child’s race
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A Pen - For writing down the times that your child achieves at the meet.
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Stopwatch – Parents of swimmers participating in the longer distance events are expected to time for their own child. These events include 500’s, 1,000’s, and 1650’s.
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Cooler - Filled with drinks and snacks (many venues don't allow coolers in the pool, but do allow them in off-deck seating areas).
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Discreet Snacks (often not allowed on deck) - Raisins, trail mix, Ritz bits w/peanut butter, goldfish, grapes, small chunks of fruit or veggies; favorite dry cereals in Ziploc bags; string cheese; beef jerky; Gatorade Bars or Power Bars; ask around for ideas!
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Entertainment Items - For you. Books, newspaper, playing cards, work items, hobby items, etc. to keep yourself busy when your swimmer's not swimming. Better yet - volunteer to help with the meet!
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Entertainment Items - For your swimmer & siblings. Books (for reading and school work), MP3/CD player (with earphones), CDs, Gameboys, playing cards, hobby items, etc. There's lots of time between events! You'll be surprised how much homework can be completed at a swim meet.
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Folding Chairs (not allowed at certain facilities)- To sit in if there are no bleachers.
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Extra Plastic Bags - For keeping things dry (various sizes).
FOR OUTDOOR MEETS:
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Sunscreen - Get a waterproof type and put it on before you get to the meet (it needs time to soak in). Put it on again after a couple of hours.
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Sunglasses and a Hat
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Bug Spray - Get a waterproof type and put it on before you get to the meet. Put it on again after a couple of hours.
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Umbrella or Tent - To provide shade or protection in the rain.
Wet Floor
Water Polo
"Pain is weakness leaving the body."