Swim Meet 101
How exciting that you're getting ready to race!
Signing up-
1) Reread the "Competition Opportunities" information.
2) Go to the signup calendar page and take a look at the Meet Information for the upcoming competitions. Meet information will tell you the where, when, cost, and any requirements (like a qualifying time); if you have questions, email coach nicol at [email protected];
3) Decide the days/times you can attend and compare that with the events that are offered on those days/times;
4) If you're signing up online, go into your Swimtopia account and select the preferred events; use the "notes" option to clarify any wishes/restrictions;
5) If you're using the Swimtopia mobile app, you're going to need to put in a little more work--make sure you have looked at the Meet Information so you can put in the "notes" the days and events your swimmer wants to swim.
Registered and Ready-
1) You will see confirmation of registration on your Swimtopia parent portal; look for confirmation of events when the team deadline to register closes;
2) Fees for meet entries will be emailed to families; prepare to pay the fees before the competition. Unless a family has contacted coach nicol by email to make a deferred payment (we've all been there), swimmers will not be entered into a competition unless their account is in good standing;
3) Before the meet families should look for the following additional information (emailed to families and posted on the team website): *Warmup times and warmup lanes *Heat sheets *Psych sheets (a list of all swimmers and their entry times) *Session reports (an estimate of when each event will begin) *Any other information shared by the host team (usually parking reminders, concession information, spectator seating options).
Better informed is better engaged!
4) Make a decision on how, as a parent, you can role-model supporting the team. Can you volunteer as a timer? Can you help before the meet by volunteering to hand out team uniform items? Do you know someone who has press credentials and wants to take photographs of the races? Are you willing to hand out awards at the next practice for those who earn ribbons/medals?
Race Day-
1) Swimmers and volunteers should say hi/check in with a coach when they arrive at the pool;
2) Swimmers should come prepared with their Race Day bag including:
*single piece swim suit (black with NO team logo unless it's MVSC)
*two pairs of goggles
*two towels
*MVSC team swim cap for racing; extra swim cap (solid color no logo) as a backup
*sharpie for writing EHL on self/teammate
*highlighter for heatsheet
*simple fuel snacks (water, veggies, fruits, pb sandwiches,) -- DO NOT bring "energy drinks," caffeine or sugar based drinks (the USA Swimming guide to race day foods is an excellent resource)
3) Swimmers should arrive at least 20 minutes before warmups to find the team, settle in, and talk to their coach.
4) Swimmers should be on deck, ready to get in the water, at the warmup lane 5 minutes before warmup.
5) Parents should anticipate staying together in the observation space (unless volunteering as a timer or official) and swimmers should anticipate hanging out together on the pool deck.
6) Swimmers are responsible for staying with their teammates, doing a pre-race warmup/cool down if needed (which they will be trained to do), getting to the racing block on time (which they will be trained to do), and talking to their coach before and after each event.
7) Before leaving any competition, swimmers should check in with the head coach to confirm that they are leaving with their family.
