Team Handbook
SWIM MEETS
Our meets are the highlights of the swim season. They showcase the hard work swimmers have put in during practice and bring the entire team together. Parents are essential to making meets successful—whether working at the scorer's table, timing races, or cheering from the sidelines.
All dual meets begin at 5:30 PM.
- For home meets, arrive at the pool by 4:00 PM. Warm-ups begin at 4:30 PM.
- For away meets, arrive by 4:30 PM. Warm-ups begin at 5:00 PM.
Please check in with coaches upon arrival. Away meet information will get emailed the day before.
ABSENCES
The meet line-up is prepared the Monday before each meet, so it's essential to let coaches know as early as possible if your swimmer will be absent. Once the line-up is submitted to the other team, we cannot change events, only substitute swimmers into them.
Parents: Please notify us at least one week in advance if your swimmer cannot attend a meet.
MEET DAY PRACTICE
Morning practice on meet days is very important. During this practice, we focus on starts, turns, and sprints, and we also mark each swimmer’s arm with their scheduled events.
If your swimmer misses this practice, please arrive early to the meet so their events can be marked.
DURING THE MEET
We encourage all swimmers to stay with the group until they are called to the bullpen (usually 4 events before their race).
Volunteers need to locate swimmers quickly, so please do not allow your child to wander.
Keep in mind:
- The area can get very wet.
- Items may be lost or damaged.
- Electronic devices are discouraged.
Once in the bullpen, swimmers may not leave the area.
ORDER OF EVENTS
Races will follow this standard order:
- Freestyle Relay
- 6-Under Freestyle Relay
- Medley Relay (Back, Breast, Fly, Free)
- Freestyle (25 & 50 yards)
- Long Freestyle (100 yards)
- Backstroke
- 100 IM (Individual Medley)
- Breaststroke
- Butterfly
- Freestyle Relay
Parents of 6-Under swimmers may leave after the backstroke heats.
All other swimmers are expected to remain until all of their assigned events are completed.
MISSING SWIM
It's your responsibility to email us any changes to your swimmer’s availability.
Accurate information is critical to ensure:
- No swimmer is left out or accidentally entered.
- Relays aren't canceled.
- Team points aren't lost.
All changes must be communicated to the Head Coach by Monday afternoon before the meet. Our line-up is exchanged with the opposing team on Tuesday, so coaches need time to finalize entries.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
Every family is required to complete 5 half-meet shifts. These are necessary to fill the 15-20 volunteer roles that keep meets running smoothly.
Shifts are divided into:
- First Half: Approx. 5:15–7:30 PM (event #1 - 43)
- Second Half: Approx. 7:30–9:15 PM (event #44 - 86)
Please check in with the Volunteer Manager when you arrive with your swimmer.
**Responsible older children (age 15 or older) may volunteer in place of a parent.
If you have a conflict, you must find a replacement.
Failing to fulfill your volunteer role puts extra strain on the team and diminishes everyone’s experience—including your swimmer's.
Next swim season (2027), if you are unable to volunteer we will have a set fee for your replacement so we can pay older teenagers to volunteer.
