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Swim meets can be both exciting and confusing. Our team generally
enters two different types of meets: "home" meets where we act as
host, and "away" meets which are usually invitationals, where
several or more teams attend. We will always try to post
information on the team bulletin board (at Fenwick), on the team
website, and through handouts & announcements at practice.
Don't hesitate to call or email with any questions you may have.
Be Early
Because swim meets can be confusing, it is best to arrive about
15-20 minutes before warm-ups begin. This will give you time to
check in, find the team area, change into your suit, and get behind
the blocks for warm-ups.
Positive Check-in
The first thing to do when you get to a meet is to check in.
(“positive” check-in means you are positively
present!) Usually, there is a sign-in sheet located near the
building entrance or on the pool deck. If you don't sign in
(actually, sign-in means highlighting your name on a list) you
won't be registered into the meet computer. All swimmers must sign
in for all events in which they were entered by the coaches.
Check-In usually closes about 30 minutes before the actual start of
the meet. If you miss the check-in, you will miss the meet.
Warm-up
All swimmers must participate in the team warm-up. We do a very
organized and specific warm-up which is designed to properly
prepare swimmers for competition. Our warm-up is also designed to
familiarize the swimmers with the facility and minimize any safety
risks. For these reasons, coaches may scratch swimmers from the
meet if they miss all or part of warm-ups.
Team Area
Generally, the swimmers sit together at meet in areas designed for
sleeping bags, coolers, etc. At some meets swimmers can stay on the
deck as well. Each meet is different, so just look for familiar
faces. Parents generally sit in the bleachers overlooking the pool
deck. While it’s okay for swimmers to sit in the stands with
their parents, fun and fellowship often happen with other team
members.
Food & Drinks/Caps & Clothes
Most meets have concessions, but many swimmers like to bring their
favorite beverages (Gatorade, water) snacks (fruit, bagels) or
small meals (pasta, etc). Please read the Nutrition page
on our website. NEVER bring anything in a glass bottle
to a swim meet! Wear warm clothes in between events, and bring your
team cap to race in. You may swim in any racing suit you like
(preferably plain blue or black), but we’d prefer a Team
Millennium team suit.
Heat Sheets & Lane Assignments
After positive check-in closes, the host team will make a Heat
Sheet for the meet, which will tell swimmers their heat and lane
assignments for each event. These will be posted in various places
around the facility for swimmers to see. It is ultimately the
swimmers' responsibility to be in the right place at the right
time. At many meets, if you miss an event, you may be scratched
from the next event. (This is why you will sometimes see
swimmers with their events written in pen (or Sharpie!) on their
hands.
Bull pen
Many teams use a Bullpen for 8 & Under swimmers. In a bullpen,
volunteer parents help organize swimmers into their heat and lanes
to ensure that they don't miss an event. Announcements will be made
for swimmers to report to the bullpen prior to each event.
ALWAYS Talk to your coach!
Each swimmer should report back to their coach after each event.
The coaches will discuss stroke technique, race strategy, splits,
etc with each swimmer. This is an important part of the learning
process of swimming, so please report to your coach regardless of
how you feel about your race.
Swim all your races
The coaching staff believes in the philosophy of "everybody swims,
everybody wins." We enter swimmers in as many events as are offered
to encourage the full development of each swimmer. This adds both
to the individual's long-term success, and the team's success. Many
times, a swimmer will surprise themselves in an event they
previously did not consider one of their "best events."
Relays
If our team enters relay events we will decide on the day of the
meet who will swim on those relays. We will not know who will be
present at each meet until warm-ups, and therefore will not be able
to assign relay swimmers until that point. Generally we will gather
all the swimmers together immediately after warm-ups to do this. Do
not leave a meet without double-checking with a coach to find out
if you are on a relay! Sometimes we may make last second
changes.
Parents
The parent's most important role at a meet is to be a cheerleader
for your swimmer. Sometimes parents from attending teams will also
be asked to help volunteer as timers. Please be willing to do this
occasionally. If everyone helps a few times, then it will save some
people from having to volunteer all the time. Remember
that spectators are not allowed on the pool deck at any
time, unless acting in an official capacity as a
volunteer. If you have a question for a coach, please send a
message via your swimmer. And NEVER approach an
Official or Referee at anytime, for any
reason.
Have Fun!
The most important thing to remember is that swimming is supposed
to be fun. Everyone has good meets and not-so-good meets. So relax
and enjoy spending time with your friends, coaches, and parents!
Especially in the early meets, the coaching staff is more concerned
with stroke technique and race strategy than times. Focusing on
these things early on will produce better swims at the end of the
season!
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