Welcome Packet

your swimmer will be swimming. Once “settled in”, you may want to write eachevent number (including heat and lane) on your swimmer’s arm in ink or Sharpie.This helps the swimmer to remember what events he/she is swimming and whatevent numbers to listen or watch for.4. When announced, your swimmer will get his/her cap and goggles and report to thepool and/or coach for warm-up instructions. It is very important for all swimmers towarm-up with the team.5. After warm-ups, your swimmer will go back to the area where his/her towels areand sit there until their event is called. If you did not have time to complete step 3,now is a good time to catch up! This is a good time to make sure your swimmergoes to the bathroom if necessary, get a drink, or just get settled in.6. The meet will usually start about 10 to 15 minutes after the warm-ups are over.7. If the swimmer is swimming an event for the first time, he will be entered as a “notime” or “NT”. A “no time” swimmer will most likely swim in one of the first heats ofthe event.The Meet Starts:1. It is important for any swimmer to know what events they are swimming. They mayswim right after warm-up or may have to wait awhile. Stay where the coaches canfind you. If you leave the pool area, be aware of the current event and return to thepool at least 10 minutes before your heat starts.2. PLEASE don’t ask coach what event is taking place or how long until your event.Paying attention to this is your swimmer’s responsibility.3. A swimmer’s event will be called, usually over a loudspeaker, and they will be askedto report to either the staging area or to his designated lane assignment. Theswimmer should report with their cap and goggles. Generally, girls’ events are oddnumberedand boys’ events are even numbered. EX: “First call; Event #3, 8 andUnder girls, 50 Breaststroke.” *Note that most swimmers are more comfortablewith the procedure than parents. As parents, trust that your swimmers can figure itout – we will practice meets at practice.4. If there is a staging area. It is usually for the younger swimmers 8 and Under:The staging area consists of a designated area near the pool with chairs linedup.An adult will ask the swimmer their name and place the swimmer in thecorrect heat and lane. Usually there are chairs lined up for the swimmer tosit in, and when the race nears, the adult walks the swimmer(s) over to theblocks in the correct order.You can usually expect at least 3 heats, and as many as 12 heats, per eachevent.5. The swimmer then swims their race. Please note that it is the swimmer’sresponsibility to get to the blocks on time for their event.6. After each swim:Do not get out of the water until the last person finishes the race.