Swim Meet 101
Time Schedule for Meets (and Away Meets too!)
4:00pm - Pool closes, set up begins!
4:45pm - Swimmers and volunteers check-in upon arrival (except practice meet .... 4:30 arrival please!)
5:00pm - Host team warms up*
5:25pm - Visiting team warms up*
5:30pm - Timers, Judges, and 1st half Concession workers check-in
5:45pm - Officials meet with judges and timer*
6:00 pm - First event starts (they really do start on time)
*If Tiny Timbers are swimming at a home meet, these times may be moved earlier by 5-10 minutes. Tiny Timbers swim at 5:50, so the regular meet can start on time at 6:00pm.
Swim Meet Helpful Hints
The following items can be very useful:
Folding chairs
Several towels per swimmer
Plastic grocery bags for wet towels, suits, etc.
Swim caps
Goggles (include an extra pair, the straps always break at the worst possible time).
Sweatshirts & your WTTE pajama pants (the evening temps cool off).
Healthy snacks and drinks (No glass bottles, PLEASE!)
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Umbrellas (It’s a proven fact that swim meets attract monster thunderstorms).
Money for purchasing heat sheets (Usually $2 each).
Highlighter for heat sheets (to identify your swimmers).
Marking pen, i.e. Sharpie (for writing events on swimmer’s arm, and for keeping track of your swimmer's times.
Money for concession purchases (this amount varies greatly by family, may approach “big money” in the event of a rain delay).
Portable activities, i.e. playing cards, games, etc. (helps swimmers and siblings pass the time between events).
Arriving at the meet: You may want to pull your car up close to the pool to unload swimmers, chairs and any heavy gear, before parking your car, as parking may involve a long walk through the neighborhood. Please be aware that neighborhoods prohibit parking on both sides of the street. Please also be careful not to block any driveways or park in front of hydrants. It much less stressful if you can arrive early. Find a carpool for your child if you will have trouble getting them there for warm up. Offer a carpool if you are able.
Please don’t forget to bring:
Your swimmers
Your patience
Your sense of humor
Team Spirit
