🏊 Swim Meet 101

Helpful Hints for First-Time Swimmers and Swim Families

What to Bring to the Swim Meet

• Extra towels & goggles (always good to have backups!)
• Sharpie marker (to write your swimmer’s initials and number on their upper arm)
• Money for concessions (proceeds support the swim team!)
• Healthy snacks (there will be breaks between races)
• Chairs for seating
• Cool, comfortable clothing

What You Need to Know About Swim Meets

• Arrival Times:
  • Home meets: Arrive by 4:45 PM
  • Away meets: Arrive by 5:15 PM
    This allows time for warm-ups before the meet starts.
• Meet Duration:
  Most meets last at least 3 hours, but weather or other delays can make it longer.
• The “Kid Pusher”:
  This volunteer will call your swimmer’s age group when it’s time to line up (e.g., “7 & 8 girls”).
  Important: Please listen closely—if your swimmer is not found when called, the meet continues without pause, and the swimmer may miss their race.
• Energy Conservation:
  Encourage your swimmer to save energy for races by avoiding running and excessive playing. Cheering on teammates is encouraged!
• Starting Area:
  Once the Kid Pusher calls your swimmer, they will guide them to the Clerk of Course who places swimmers at the starting blocks.
  Parents are not allowed behind the blocks due to limited space.
• Main Events vs. Heats:
  • Main events count for points that contribute to the team score.
  • Heats are practice races and do not affect scoring.
• Event Limits:
  • Swimmers 6 & under may swim 2 main events.
  • Swimmers 7 & older may swim 3 main events.
• Typical Meet Order:
  1. Medley Relay (Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, Freestyle)
  2. Freestyle Event
  3. Backstroke Event
  4. Breaststroke Event
  5. Butterfly Event
  6. Freestyle Relay
• Age 6 & Under Swimmers:
  These swimmers usually compete in freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke only.
  They do not swim butterfly or relays (except in special cases where a swimmer may be “pulled up” to fill a relay spot).
• Race Distances:
  • Ages 6 & under: 15 yards
  • Ages 7-10: 25 yards (one pool length)
  • Ages 11 & up: 50 yards (two pool lengths)
• Event Line-Up:
  Race line-ups will be posted on the far-side pool wall at home meets or provided by the coach at away meets.
  Please review this with your swimmer upon arrival.
• Weather Delays and Cancellations:
  If weather causes a meet delay or cancellation, TSA reps will decide whether to delay or cancel.
  Cancelled meets must be made up ASAP, typically the next day (Wednesday).
  Make-up meets usually include only main events, no heats.
  If the meet is “complete” through the breaststroke event, it may end early.

Additional Home Meet Info (Weavers Pond)

• Arrive by 4:45 PM to set up and check events.
• The Zebulon Dolphins team gathers on the far side of the pool near the covered awning.
• Tables under the shelter are reserved for scorers and ribbon writers; limited family seating is available nearby.
• The pool is closed to non-participants during the meet. Only swimmers may enter the pool during warm-ups and races.
• Please ensure siblings or guests do not use the pool or playground during meets.

Additional Away Meet Info

• Arrive by 5:15 PM.
• Set-up varies by location; details might be different from home meets.
• Facilities and concessions vary by club—some may have playgrounds with specific rules.
• Travel times and directions will be communicated before each meet. Please plan accordingly.