FIRST MEET APPROACHES

For many of you this will be the first year round meet that you attend. What should you expect? Well, unlike summer meets, your child is not limited to swimming two events. A swimmer may swim as many as five events a day (only 3 events would be allowed if the format was prelim/finals). Year round swimmers have the opportunity to work on ALL their strokes. They do not need to be worried about what place they finish; rather they will be competing against the clock. This first meet will give them a starting point to build on for the rest of the season.

Please have your swimmer at the pool ON TIME for warm ups. They need to be ready to get in the water as soon as warm ups begin. You should buy a heat sheet so that you and your swimmer will know when they are supposed to swim. Your swimmer should speak to the coach before they swim each race. After they swim, they need to warm down and speak to the coach again. THEN they can return to their parents. Please remember that parents are NOT ALLOWED behind the blocks during the meet, unless they are timing. Also remember that you do NOT need to coach your child - this is VERY important. Allow the coaches to coach and you just enjoy being a parent and reassuring them that you love them no matter how they are swimming. Also, if you have questions of your child's coach during the meet, please try to wait until the meet is over. Coaches are usually VERY busy during the meet.

The facility will usually have some stands to sit in and the host team will offer some concessions. You are, however, welcome to bring your own chairs to set up behind the bleachers and you may also bring coolers to most pools. There is an area designated for eating. The host club will call for timers before the meet starts. Please volunteer to help! Wear a I'On shirt and grab a great seat for watching the meet. If you don't have a I'On shirt, Lisa has them for sale for $5 a piece. See her at the pool or give her a call!

For all swimmers, whether returning or first timers, this meet is the starting point of the season. For returning swimmers, remember that you are just starting the season and getting back in shape so please do not expect to swim best times. Compare this year's times to last year's times in September. For new swimmers, please realize you have just begun. You are just learning all the drills. You may make mistakes in your races and that is OK. Part of the reason for swimming a meet is to see what skills each swimmer needs to be working on. If you are DQ'ed don't be upset with yourself or the officials. The officials are an important part of helping each swimmer learn how to swim right. If you do miss your heat, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO SWIM IN A LATER HEAT. Also, for all you new parents and as a reminder to our returning parents, false starts will not be called back to the block, but will be disqualified after the race is swum. Results for every race will be posted on the wall during the meet so you can check for your swimmer's times. We look forward to seeing everyone there!