Swim Meet 101
ORDER OF EVENTS:
Events alternate Boys' events & Girls' events by Age Group
- Medley Relays*: 100-yd Relay: 7-8 & 9-10; 200-yd Relay: 11-12, 13-14 & 15-18
- Freestyle: 15-yd: 6&U; 25-yd: 7-8 & 9-10; 50-yd: 11-12, 13-14 & 15-18
- Backstroke: 15-yd: 6&U; 25-yd: 7-8 & 9-10; 50-yd: 11-12, 13-14 & 15-18
- Breaststroke: 15-yd: 6&U; 25-yd: 7-8 & 9-10; 50-yd: 11-12, 13-14 & 15-18**
- Butterfly: 25-yd: 7-8 & 9-10; 50-yd: 11-12, 13-14 & 15-18
- Freestyle Relays: 100-yd Relay: 7-8 & 9-10; 200-yd Relay: 11-12, 13-14 & 15-18
*Medley Relay stroke order = backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle
**Coaches/Parents Relays may follow breaststroke events
- At swim meets, swimmers participate in events based on their age as of June 1, 2023. For example, a 9th birthday on May 15th, the swimmer will swim meet events in 9-10 yr races for the summer season, and a 9th birthday on June 15th, the swimmer will swim meet events in the 7-8 yr races for the summer season.
- 6&U only swim 15-yd individual events of freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke at dual swim meets, except at end-of-season meets where they will also swim 25 yards the same as all older age groups.
WHAT TO BRING TO A MEET:
- Swimmers should arrive in their swimsuits (red and black team suit or plain black or red suit with no other team logo).
- Label all personal belongings with the swimmer's name with a permanent Sharpie marker.
- Do NOT bring valuables to swim meets.
- Bring the following items:
- Goggles
- Sea Dragon Cap (or plain black or red cap with no team logo)
- Plenty of dry towels
- Plenty to drink
- Healthy snack
- Sunscreen
- Sweatshirt
- Game(s) to play while waiting for events
- Optional – money for concessions
- Optional – foldable lawn chair
LABELING YOUR SWIMMERS FOR A SWIM MEET:
Mandatory Arm Markings for Swimmer Identification (prior to event arrival):
- Left Arm - Last Name
- Right Arm - Swimmer Number
- Pro-tip: Use a sharpie.
Optional Arm Markings for Swimmer’s Own Event Info:
- Ensures swimmer knows his/her events for meet.
- Mark four columns and label them at the top with E, H, L, S (event/heat/lane/stroke).
- Pro-tip: Easiest for swimmers to read forearms or thighs; use permanent marker which will stay on in pool.
- For example, 50 breaststroke: event 3, heat 6, and lane 4. You mark the following:
HOW TO READ A HEAT SHEET:
- A heat sheet is a document that lists the order of events at the meet and includes the heat and lane assignments for each swimmer. Coaches, parents, and volunteers use a heat sheet to know who is swimming, when, and where.
- The heat sheet will be made available to families prior to the meet (usually the day prior). With a premium Swimtopia Mobile Subscription, heat sheets are accessible in the app.
- For instructions on how to read a heat sheet, please Click Here.
HOW TO FOLLOW MEET EVENTS WITH SWIMTOPIA MOBILE APP:
- Live Event/Heat Indicator - SwimTopia Mobile displays a Live Event/Heat Indicator that keeps you up-to-date on what’s happening in the pool in real time. The Live Indicator is updated with the current event and heat being swum and is invaluable if you can’t see the pool from your volunteer position or spectator seating.
- Heat Sheets & Estimated Start Times - With a Premium subscription, users can view the meet’s heat sheets in the app, including estimated start times for each event. As the meet progresses the estimated start times will adjust according to the actual progress of the meet for added accuracy, and with Premium, you’ll receive swim reminders for your favorite swimmers.
- Download the Swimtopia Mobile App:
- Apple Store: Click Here
- Google Play: Click Here
PARENT VOLUNTEERS:
- Arrive Early for your self-selected Volunteer job.
- Check in to the Volunteers table to be confirmed for your Volunteer assignment
- If something comes up ahead of time, you are responsible for helping to find a replacement for your volunteer job.
- If at the last minute for a Meets volunteer job, reach out directly to our VP Volunteer and/or Volunteers Associate as our meets volunteer jobs all need to be filled. vpvolunteerscpsd@gmail.com
INCLEMENT WEATHER:
- Inclement Weather: Dual meets are generally rescheduled the next evening, starting at the same time and same location.
- Weather alerts and Urgent Meet Alerts will be pushed to swim team members via Swimtopia Mobile App (allow for notifications on device):
-
- Download from Apple App Store: Click Here
- Download from Google Play: Click Here
SEATING AT CARY PARK HOME MEETS:
- Please see the seating diagram: Click Here
-
Swimmer Seating:
- All Swimmers will sit on the pool deck by age group. Age Group tents will be labeled. Swimmers are encouraged to bring folding chairs to sit on (there will not be chairs on the deck).
- Starting on the far left (near blocks) under the pergola begins the 6&Under tent and then age groups increase along the side of the pool under the pergola and wrap around the corner with the oldest age groups last.
- The Wade and Slide Pool will be closed to the swim team during the meet.
- The Clubhouse will also be closed during the meet; please use the poolside restrooms.
- Spectator Seating:
- ALL spectators and non-volunteers will be seated OUTSIDE of the pool fence. Please bring a lawn chair to sit in.
- Only swimmers, coaches, and volunteers are permitted on the pool deck. Swimmers will be supervised by Dragon Tamer volunteers on the pool deck. Parents cannot sit with swimmers on the pool deck.
- Parents should check swimmers out with Dragon Tamers, especially the younger age groups.
- Spectator Viewing:
- To view your swimmer’s event, please enter the pool deck and proceed to the View and Go Lane. This lane is for parents with swimmers’ in the pool or in the next heat, and to give a hug/high-five immediately after swimmers finish their race. Parents then exit the pool deck to make room for other parents to view.
- The Porch is not available for spectator viewing.
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