Swim Meet 101
We do have practice in the morning on days of meets. It is a good time for the coaches to go over the rules to make sure the swimmers are ready for the meet (i.e., relays, 2 hand touches, etc.). Please see below for important meet information.
WHEN TO ARRIVE?
Home Meets: Swimmers need to arrive at 4:45 PM. Warm-ups begin at 5:00pm.
Away Meets: Swimmers need to arrive at 5:15 PM. Warm-ups begin at 5:30pm.
Meet Start Time: All meets start promptly at 6:00 PM.
I'M HERE, NOW WHAT?
Swimmer Check-In: Look for the Gators Check-In table upon arrival. There, your swimmer will check-in with the coaches and will receive their individual event cards for the meet. These cards are extremely important because they provide the Event Description (free style, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly or Individual Medley (“IM”)) as well as the number of the Event, Heat and Lane your swimmer will be competing. Sharpies will be available at check-in, and parents are asked to write the individual events on their child’s arm. An example of what this should look like is seen below. Junior Coaches will be around to assist.
Volunteer Check-In: Next, check in with WG Gators Volunteer Coordinator , Joan Oruwari, and she will give you any items you may need (clipboards, pens, timers, heat sheets, etc.) for your volunteer position. If you have any questions about your particular volunteer position, please ask. The referee will also have a volunteer meeting at 5:45.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Swimmers should wear their Waterford Green Gators swim suits (or other swimsuit) and team t-shirts to the meets.
Parents should dress comfortably. It will be hot and there is a chance that you will get wet!
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Please put your swimmer's name on their items and bring the following to each meet:
- Cap
- Goggles (It's a good idea to have a back up pair!)
- Towels
- Cash ONLY for Concessions
- Sunscreen
- Water Bottle
- Snacks if not using Concessions
- Folding Chairs (one for you and your swimmer(s))
- Rain Gear and Umbrella
- Bug Spray
- TEAM SPIRIT! GO GATORS!!
Per County Policy, there is absolutely no alcohol allowed at swim team events.
HOW LONG DO MEETS LAST?
Meets typically last until 9:30 or 10:00pm. However, there are several variables that might change this timeframe which include: the number of swimmers participating, volunteers and weather! Summer evening thunderstorms happen often in Georgia; therefore, we do ask for your patience during rain delays. In the event of inclement weather, we will send out notifications via the SwimTopia Mobile App.
Swimmers 6 & under, only participate in freestyle and backstroke; therefore, they will be finished at Event 46. These swimmers do NOT need to stay for the remainder of the meet.
THE MEET IS OVER, WHAT'S NEXT?
RIBBONS: On Wednesdays of each week (during normal morning practice times), we will have "fun swim" where ribbons are awarded to each swimmer (12 and under). Treats and prizes may also make an appearance, so please alert the coordinators if your child has any food sensitivities.
