MEETS – WHAT TO EXPECT AND WHAT TO BRING
- When the swimmer enters the change room, parents may want to find a seat. Four and one half hours plus the warm up period may seem a lot longer when standing.
- Parents and coaches may find the pool deck very warm, yet the swimmers seem to find it “nice” or a little cool.
- After the warm up, swimmers are expected to remain with the team. Swimmers can “visit” with their parents but should ask the coach first.
- Before each event the coach may discuss things such as strategy, skill center, focus or just large stomach butterflies with each swimmer.
- For each event swimmers may be divided by gender, age, and time. The idea is to have athletes in the pool with those of similar skills. In practice, this may not be the case; the entry time may out of date by many months.
- The number of swimmers participating in an event will be divided by the number of usable lanes in the pool. Thirty swimmers divided by 6 lanes equals 5 heats. Each swimmer will be assigned a heat and lane number for each of their events. Parents can find this information in “Heat Sheets” which are usually sold at the meet. Coaches will help swimmers find their event, lane and heat numbers. Note: swimmers normally write the information down on anything handy – usually their arms.
- After the swimmers have done their best, they need to discuss the event with their coach. The discussion may include praise, swimmer thoughts and feelings, strategy refinements, skills to improve, focus or butterfly nets.
- Between events swimmers may; rest, cheer for team mates, visit relatives or friends (ask first), read, do homework, play cards, talk, eat, drink, and be merry.
- During the event, Parents are encouraged to cheer for their swimmer and/or any team mates.
- After the event, Parents are encouraged to praise their swimmer and ask them about their thoughts and feelings.
What to Bring to a Swim Meet
- CPWD Team Swim Suit
- CPWD Team Cap
- Goggles (a spare pair is recommended)
- Team T-Shirt, Jacket, Sweats and deck shoes
- Two towels; one used during the meet, one for after
- Food: Nutritious lunch or snacks, water bottle
- Lock for lockers
Coach Dave
