🏊Tips & Tricks for Swim Meets

What to Bring to a Swim Meet

• Swim goggles (bring an extra pair if possible)
• Extra towels
• Healthy snacks and plenty of water
• Warm clothes or sweatshirt for between events
• Something quiet and non-electronic to keep entertained during wait times

---

Purchasing and Caring for Swim Gear

Goggles

• Before buying, take goggles out of the box and press the rubber rims against your swimmer’s eye sockets. If they suction naturally, they’re likely a good fit.
• Goggles should be comfortable and leak-free.
• For swimmers 10 & under, Speedo Skoogles and TYR Simple Kids' Goggles are highly recommended.
• For swimmers 10 & up, Vanquishers or Jr. Vanquishers tend to fit best.

Buying a Competitive Suit

• Suits should fit snugly when first tried on — water and chlorine stretch the fabric over time.
• To extend the life of your team suit, consider purchasing a separate, less expensive practice suit for daily use.
• Wearing the same suit every day for practice shortens its lifespan.

Suit & Goggle Care

• Soak your suit and goggles in tap water for 5-10 minutes after each use to prolong their life.

Apparel Tips

• Mark the tag or collar of your swimwear and team spirit wear with your swimmer’s initials to avoid mix-ups.

❓Frequently Asked Questions❓

Q: My child likes swimming but is not sure if they’re ready for the team. What should I do?
A: We offer a Free Trial Week at the start of the season for new swimmers to try it out.

Q: What if my child can’t attend every practice?
A: Practices are offered 3-4 times per week, mornings and evenings. We recommend attending at least 2-3 practices weekly, but attendance every day is not required.

Q: What equipment does my child need for practice?
A: A swimsuit and goggles are required. Swim caps are optional for practice (girls typically wear one-piece suits; boys usually wear jammer-style suits). Equipment can be purchased at sporting goods stores or online.

Q: Does my child need a specific swimsuit for meets?
A: Any suit can be worn at practice, but swimmers must wear the team suit at meets.

Q: How can I prevent chlorine damage to my child’s suit and hair?
A: Have your child wet their suit and hair with regular water before entering the pool to reduce chlorine absorption. Using conditioner before swimming and wearing a swim cap helps. Special shampoos and conditioners like Ultra Swim remove chlorine as well.

Q: Is my child required to swim in meets?
A: While meets are part of the competitive experience, attendance at a minimum of two swim meets is strongly recommended.

Q: Are parents required to volunteer? Why?
A: Yes, each family must volunteer at least 3 meets. Meets are run entirely by parent volunteers.

Q: Will my child compete against swimmers their own age?
A: Yes, meets are divided into these age groups based on age as of June 1: 6 & under; 7-8; 9-10; 11-12; 13-14; 15-18.

Q: How long are the swim meet events?
A: Events typically range from 15 yards, 25 yards (one length), to 50 yards.

Q: Can I choose which events my child swims?
A: No, the coach selects events based on your child’s skill and the meet requirements.

Q: How do I find out which events my child is swimming?
A: Once entries are accepted by the host team, event lists are posted on the Swimtopia app.

Q: Does my child have to stay for the whole meet?
A: No, swimmers may leave after their events, but staying until the end is encouraged.

Q: Where should my child be during the meet?
A: Swimmers should stay in the designated swimmer’s area on the pool deck to help coaches and volunteers locate them easily.

Q: What is a DQ?
A: A Disqualification (DQ) happens when a swimmer violates a technical rule.

Q: When do swimmers receive ribbons?
A: Ribbons are distributed at Wednesday afternoon practices.

Q: Why didn’t my child get a ribbon?
A: Ribbons are given for main event places and heat winners (for 10 & under). Swimmers disqualified do not receive ribbons.

Q: How can I track my child’s swim times?
A: Times are posted on the Swimtopia app.

Q: Why do I need to volunteer and fundraise if I already pay registration fees?
A: Swim team expenses include coaches’ salaries, equipment, and more. Registration fees don’t cover all costs, so parent volunteerism and fundraising are essential to keep the team running smoothly.