“Believe in yourself, not only in swimming, but in life itself. You always have to have fun. You have to have an open mind. If you’re not enjoying it, don’t do it. Life’s too short.” – Debbie Meyer
Dolphin Swim Meet 101
GOOD GRIEF! This is a lot...
There is no doubt a swim meet is organized chaos and can be overwhelming, especially for new families. But don't worry, you'll get through it and quickly learn:
- Summer sunrises sure are early!
- Cheeseburgers are great for breakfast
- You will get your steps and a nice tan
- The kids are exhausted when you get home
- Saturday naps are the best
Read your emails. Every week emails will come from the Team and the Head Coach with important information you need to know.
Know how to download the SwimTopia Mobile App. This App provides a personalized view of your swimmers' meet entries, your Volunteer jobs, and with a Pro subscription you get full heat sheets (meet programs), alerts about upcoming swims and results.
Know where the pool is located. For the 3 away meets, we travel to the host pool. Ridgewood and Lakeridge are not the same pool.
Know the timeline. What time should your swimmer arrive. When and where should your swimmer check-in with their Coach. What time are warm-ups. When and where should parents check-in for Volunteer positions and report to the position. What time does the meet start?
Know the dress code. Mornings can be chilly, afternoons can be boiling, so make sure you can dress for the weather. Wear sensible shoes that can get wet and are comfortable if you are on your feet for a long time. Kids lose things. Pack extra towels, caps, goggles. Hats and sunscreen.
Know how to accessorize. You will want some shade-most families bring a pop-up canopy. Bring a cooler, snacks, and money for Concessions. (Cheeseburgers for breakfast!) Activities to keep the young ones busy between events. Everything purple to decorate your tent. Many of our families take this very seriously.
Know where to park and set-up. Follow parking instructions carefully. For home meets at the Wellington pool, make sure you don't park in a Bike Lane. MCPD are happy to provide you with a parking ticket. Unless you are told otherwise, you do have the option to set up your family tent the night before the meet no earlier than 9:30 p.m. when the pool closes to patrons and the staff shift ends. This time is our agreement with the HOA. There are maps that show were to park, set-up, etc. on our Setup Areas page. We always recommend you leave the cover off and your tent frame lowered overnight in case of storms. Also, night before tent setup is at your own risk. There have been incidents of late-night tent hooligans in the past.
When setting up the night before or the morning of the meet, know the gang camps out together. Find your friends and expand the shade. Home meets the Dolphins are in the parking lot just outside the small pool gate. For away meets, Visiting Team information will be provided before the meet, and typically found on the host team's website.
Know where the Coaches will be for check-in. When you arrive to the pool, your swimmers need to check in with the coaches to let them know they are there.
Know the EHL method and pack a Sharpie. Swimmers tend to wander and have fun with friends between events. Make sure they know what they are swimming. EHL means Event, Heat and Lane so swimmers and parents can remember when to head to clerk of course and get ready to watch the race.
Know your Volunteer job and shift. Swim meets happen because all families volunteer. Learn about volunteer opportunities on the website, sign up to help at the meets (away too!) When you arrive at a meet, find the Volunteer Coordinators and let them know you are there and ready to have fun!
Know what to do when the meet starts. Get ready for the National Anthem and the first splash. Follow all directions from meet marshals and know where you can stand to watch the races. Listen to the announcer for when your swimmer should report to Clerk of Course. The EHL method can help you with this.
Know how to be a good swim parent. Cheer CHEER CHEER! For all the swimmers-it is a challenge for the fastest USAS Club swimmer, and the 8 and under who is finally brave enough to swim in a meet. Both of these athletes get in the pool with high standards for a personal best. Always be supportive of the coaches-they are at the side of the pool watching every race and taking notes. There are not always victories, both as a team and as individuals. When your slowest heat, itty-bitty comes out of the pool with her first Heat Ribbon, it is a huge deal. Photo opportunity you won't want to miss. Wet hugs are the best.
You are here for your swimmers. Make sure you don't miss a swim-even if you are volunteering. It is expected you step away to watch your kids.