Swim Meet 101
What to Expect at Your First Swim Meet
At the meets, your child has a lot of downtime, when he is sitting in the bullpen without you. Generally, the kids sit according to gender and age group. You can go in there anytime you want, but it's crowded and difficult to get to them sometimes. They spend a huge amount of that time snacking!
Here's a list of what to pack for the meets
In Swimmer's Backpack/Bag (Separate from yours):
Collapsible Chair
Towel
Swim Cap
2 pairs of goggles (1 extra)
Food (note: dinner/snack are available at the concession)
Water/gatorade
River Walk Swim Team T-shirt
Anything that can entertain them while they sit and wait.
Black Sharpie pen - Some of the kids like to write their event/heat/lane information on their forearms, so they can remember when their next race is coming up. Others decorate their backs/arms with shockwaves and RW, etc.
For the parents and siblings:
The chairs get taken early at the meets, so you might want to bring a chair or 2 for you and husbands. You might also want to bring a little cooler or bag with snack/drink, etc. You can get food/drink at the concession stand, but you may want to have something at hand.
Heat sheets will be sent to you to print at home prior to the meet. This document will have all the races listed and will tell you what events your child is swimming, what heat, and what lane. You will get your child settled in the bullpen and then either report for your job or begin waiting. The kids warm up by age. 8 and go first.
Please remember to help clean up after meets. Swimmers are responsible for helping to clean up the bullpen. Please take a moment to help clean up so that everyone can get home!
