Swimmer Prep
You must mark your swimmer to reflect which event, heat, and lane they are racing. See How To: Read Athlete's Events to understand how you'll know what events they will be swimming. This is used to help remind the swimmer of their events and clerks of course/zookeepers/shepherds to get the swimmers where they need to be. Use the Athlete sign-in Sheet (sent before the meet or at sign-in table when you arrive) to find and highlight your child's events. Mark the arm as illustrated below in the picture in the order of Event/Heat/Lane. Write on clean dry skin.
Please also write your child's name on their upper back.
The Athlete Sign-in/Check-in Sheet (and Heat Sheet) will be posted before the meet and sent in an email to parents.
Example of Arm Marking:
Stroke: If you'd like to note the stroke do so after the lane designation. For example:
- FR = Freestyle
- BA = Back Stroke
- BR = Breast Stroke
- FLY = Butterfly
- IM = Individual Medley
- FRR = Free Relay (All swimmers swim freestyle)
- MR = Medley Relay (Each swimmer swims a different stroke: 1st = back, 2nd=breast, 3rd=fly, 4th=free)
Relay Marking: This will designate the relay leg the child is swimming.
- 1/1 = Lane 1, first relay leg
- 4/2 = Lane 4, 2nd relay leg **If the Medley Relay this will be Breast Stroke
Packing for a swim meet
Swimmer Pack List:
- Swimsuit
- Swim cap
- Goggles (two pair preferred in case one breaks)
- Towel
- Clothes/Coverup to wear between events if preferred
- Healthy Snacks (be aware if your age group has an allergy)
- Water bottles
- Entertainment: Be prepared to sit around for several hours. Staying awake and alert will help you swim faster, so bring whatever keeps you happily entertained: something to read, pens and paper for coloring, board games, or all of the above. NOTE: items will get wet!
Parent Pack List:
- Sharpie (to write your child's name, event #, heat #, position on his/her back shoulder before the meet if you didn't do it the night before).
- Money - The hosting team typically runs swim meet concessions. Any profits go to support the team
- Snacks
- A portable chair (bleachers are typically available as well)
- Entertainment
- Camera
- Good cheering voice. Swimmers can hear in the water. The louder the crowd, the more exciting their swim!
