My First Meet
Before the Meet Starts
1. Arrive at pool at least fifteen minutes before the scheduled warm-up time begins. This time will be listed in the meet information handed out to all NBSC swimmers. Swimmers, while attending meets, are not the responsibility of NBSC or the coaches. It is the parents' responsibility to see there is supervision at all times.
2. Upon arrival, find a place to put your blankets, swim bags and/or sleeping bags. The team usually sits in one place together, so look for some familiar faces.
3. Obtain a heat sheet and check to make sure you are properly entered. If there is a problem, see the coach immediately. A heat sheet is usually available for sale in the lobby or concession area of the pool. Heat sheets generally sell for about two dollars per day. It lists all swimmers in each event in order of "seed time". When the team entry is sent in, each swimmer and her/his previous best time in that event is listed. If the swimmer is swimming an event for the first time she/he will be entered as a NT (no time). A "no time" swimmer will usually swim in one of the very first heats of the event.
4. Write each event number for younger swimmers on their hand in ink. This helps her/him remember what events she/he is swimming and what event number to listen for.
5. Get your cap and goggles and report to the pool and/or coach for warm-up instructions. It is very important for all swimmers to warm-up with the team. Swimmer's bodies are just like cars on a cold day -- they need to get their engine going and warmed-up before they can go all out.
6. After warm-up, go back to the area where your towels are and sit there until the next event is called. This is a good time to make sure to go to the bathroom, get a drink, etc.
7. The meet will usually start about 10-15 minutes after warm-ups are over.
8. According to USS rules (because of insurance purposes), parents are not allowed on deck unless they are serving in an official capacity. Similarly, all questions concerning meet results, an officiating call, or the conduct of a meet, should be referred to the coaching staff. They, in turn, will pursue the matter though the proper channels.
During The Meet
1. It is important to know what event numbers you are swimming. Generally, girls events are odd-numbered and the boys events are even-numbered. Events may start right after warm-ups or after a slight delay. Swimmers should report to the starting area in plenty of time prior to their heat with their cap and goggles.
2. Some events (such as longer distance races) require positive check-in by swimmers prior to seeding the event. "Positive check in" means that swimmers must report to the scorer’s table and sign-in prior to the meet session start.
3. At some meets, heats for younger swimmers’ events are staged in order to sequence swimmers by heat and lane. When staging is used, the event number will be called over the loudspeaker.
4. After each swim:
- Swimmers may ask the timers for their time.
- Swimmers should report to their coach. The coach will discuss the swim with each swimmer.
- Swimmer returns to the towel area and relaxes.
- Use the bathroom, get something to drink or get something light to eat.
- Wait for your next event.
5. When you have completed all of your events, you and your parents may go home. Make sure, however, to check with the coach before leaving to make sure you have not been included on a relay. It is not fair to other swimmers who may have stayed to swim in a relay in which you are a member, and you are not there.
What to take to the Meet
1. Most Important: Swim Suit, Cap, Goggles.
2. Towels -- remember that you will be there a while, so pack at least two.
3. Something to sit on; for example, a sleeping bag or old blanket. You will be spending a lot of time on it.
4. Sweats or warm-up clothes
5. Entertainment items – Personal CD player, travel games, coloring books, etc.
6. Snacks or drinks such as crackers. granola bars, yogurt, cereal, Jell-O cubes, fruit, sandwiches, fruit juice, water, or Gatorade (no glass containers)
Special Parent's Note
Indoor pools are usually very warm, so dress appropriately. Nothing is worse than being hot at a swim meet. Also, spectator areas are often crowded. You may want to consider bringing a lawn chair for sitting on between events. You can also pick up folding cushions at Target, K-Mart, or Walmart. These are great for sitting on in the spectator areas (usually bleachers), and can help save your place when you are away from the pool area.
