SWIM MEET 101
What New Families Need to Know
Types of Meets Dual meets are head-to-head competitions against one other team, held Tuesday/Thursday evenings or Saturday mornings. The season also includes an invitational (Swim Blast) and culminates with A and B Championship meets in late July.
How Meets Work Meets begin with diving, then move into swimming. Swimmers typically compete in 2–4 events, including relays. Each swimmer is assigned a specific event number, heat, and lane — you'll find your child's name on the posted lineup.
Reading the Lineup Each entry shows an event number, event type, and a heat/lane code like "2/3" — meaning heat 2, lane 3. At dual meets, the fastest swimmers go first. At invitationals, fastest go last.
Why is my kid covered in Sharpie?!? Kids write their Event, Heat, Lane, and Stroke on their arm in Sharpie so they're ready to go. Coaches and ready bench parents help younger swimmers (10 & under) get lined up.
Common Swim Terms
- IM (Individual Medley): All four strokes in order — Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle
- Free Relay: All legs swim freestyle
- Medley Relay: Back → Breast → Fly → Free
- DQ (Disqualification): Happens to every swimmer eventually — coaches will explain why and help your child improve
What to Bring Two towels, plenty of water, extra goggles, a Sharpie, sunscreen, chairs, and snacks. Cash for the snack stand is always a good idea.
Your Job as a Parent Cheer loud and leave the coaching to the coaches! If you have concerns, email the coach or catch them after practice — never during.
Volunteering All families are required to volunteer at a minimum of 3 meets. Roles include timing, ready bench, running slips, and snack stand — no experience required for most positions.
