Parent and Swimmer Resources

Information from USA Swimming
What is USA Swimming?  What is the Butterfly Stroke and when did it become an Olympic stroke?  What is the difference between an "A" and a "B" swimmer?

A wealth of information is available on the USA Swimming Parents page.  Check it out.  The link can be found at the top of the page on BAT's web site. Click the USA Swimming Logo.

Your First Swim Meet

Where do we go?

The coach will provide you with the directions to the pool and what time to be there by the Wednesday before the meet. Warm‑ups generally begin around 7‑7:30 a.m. for the morning session, so check to see which session you swim in so you get there on time. The swimmer is not allowed in the pool until their coach arrives to supervise them . If you are there before the coach, wait.

For more information about the meet
Go to www.batswimmers.org and check under the Events tab. You will find information about the schedule of the swim events, warm-up times, admission and heat sheet fees, pool information, directions, etc.

What do we bring with us?

Always be sure your swimmer has at least one or two suits, two large towels, goggles, a sweat suit to wear on deck (not the clothes he/she is to wear home) and a swim cap. Other items in their bag could be healthy snacks, shampoo, comb and a lock. Never assume your swimmer's valuables are safe in a locker that is unlocked. Meets can be very long and there is some time between each event your swimmer will swim. Many bring along a sleeping bag/blanket to spread out on and play cards or read a book. 

Do we need money?

Most meets charge at the door either an entrance fee and/or charge for the heat sheet (a list of times of the day's events). These prices range dramatically from $2 per adult all the way up to $13 for a state meet heat sheet. Generally you won't pay more than $2-5 per person. Swimmers do NOT pay entrance fees at the door.

What about food?

Almost every meet will have a concession stand. The foods range from breakfast bagels, rolls, juice and coffee to pizza, subs and Spaghetti O’s during the lunch hour. Many teams provide nutritious snacks at their concessions for the swimmers, but this doesn't always hold true. You may want to bring along a small cooler with juice, cereal, fruit or sandwiches. One thing you don't want your swimmer doing is eating a lot of sugar or high fat foods during a meet. Feed them well the night before with high carbohydrate foods such as pasta and keep the food simple and light on the day of the meet.

Paraphernalia?

Another nice feature found at most (but not all) swim meets is the swim shop. This is a business that goes from meet to meet and sells every kind of swim gear you can imagine. They typically sell suits, t‑shirts, caps, sweatshirts, swim bags, goggles, record books, and various other swim items. It's a great place to pick up a Christmas gift and can be very handy when a pair of goggles breaks in the middle of a meet. However, do not rely on them to be at every meet. Be prepared with equipment before you come.

What to wear?

FAIR WARNING!! Swim meets are hot. Every pool indoors is heated and the bleachers tend to be up in the air where the air is hotter. Wear layers in the winter so you can shed your sweater or sweatshirt, as you need. Come summer meets are held outside. You may want to bring a blanket, lawn chair and umbrella (in case of light rain).

You need a ride?

If you need a ride for your swimmer because you are unable to go, please contact one of the board members. Someone can find a place in his or her car for an extra swimmer. Don't pull them out of the meet. If you don't go, but you registered ahead, you cannot get your money back.

Enthusiasm!!!

The most important thing you can bring with you is your enthusiasm and support for your swimmer. Your pride in them is the most valuable item of all. 

Suit Shopping Tips and FAQs

Team or "meet" suits for Beloit Aquatic Team are a solid black Nike Suit. Team caps are the best way to spot our team members on deck at meets. Speak with a board member or Coach Kate to purchase a BAT latex or silicone cap.

When fitting suits, remember that you are fitting the suit dry. A snug dry‑fit ensures that when the suit fabric relaxes in the water, it will not be oversized and baggy. Therefore, avoid the temptation to size up for "growing room". A suit that fits loose when dry will be even more so when wet.

Fiber content. What's that and why should I care? Fiber content drives many factors relating to how much a suit will cost and how it will perform. Stretch & fit, durability, colorfastness and cost are primary aspects to consider.

Have you ever seen a "blown‑out" Lycra suit? This happens because Lycra, which is chosen for its excellent stretch and form fit, degrades when subjected to pool chemicals. Does rinsing after wear help? Probably some, but if you swim in a pool that has just been "shocked" with chemical, you may have drastically reduced the life of the suit without knowing it. The cost of Lycra suits is usually less than other options (around $35 female and $25 male jammer). Nylon, which does not stretch when woven (think sail cloth), can handle a lot of abuse and does not readily degrade. Many suits combine Lycra with Nylon as a stabilizer. In suits that blend Nylon with Lycra, you would expect some increased durability, the higher the Nylon content.

Polyester suits are the new wave in "training" or "practice suits", due to their superior durability and colorfastness. These newer poly suits are knit, which allows some stretch for fit. It does not offer the superior stretch of Lycra and is usually priced higher than Lycra (around $45 female and $30 male jammer).

Based on these criteria, the BAT Board has chosen Nike solid black polyester for our team suit. The price is slightly higher up front but the durability pays off in the end. Usually a swimmer will grow out of a poly suit before it wears out.

Nike team suits should be purchased through Middleton Sports and Fitness. Click the link on our website under partners.