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SWIM MEET "HELPFUL HINTS" [Click here to print list "What To Bring to a Meet"] The following list will assist swimmers and parents in swim meet procedures: 1] Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled Highbridge warm-up. 2] Obtain a heat sheet and check to see if you are properly entered in your events. Report any mistakes immediately to the coach. 3] Whenever possible, Highbridge swimmers will stretch together as a team. If not, each HA swimmer should complete your stretching routine and be ready to report to the HA warm-up lanes. 4] Warm-ups are always conducted by the coach. Team members are required to warm-up with the team. It is important that both swimmers and parents understand that a good warm-up is essential for good performance. 5] It is customary for Highbridge to have a "team area" at meets and sit together as a group. This helps promote team unity. 6]
All swimmers are required to wear the team suit and team cap (if used)
in competition. This also promotes team unity and pride and greatly aids
in spectator recognition.
Team caps are $4 and are sold at the meets. The team always wears
yellow caps on Fridays and Sundays and blue caps on Saturdays. See
Chris before the sessions for these caps. 7] Each Highbridge swimmer is responsible for knowing which events he/she is supposed to swim, their best time, and when they are to swim. 8] If possible, each Highbridge swimmer should report to the coach before they report to the blocks. This is to review stroke technique, strategy, attitude, and sportsmanship. 9] At the conclusion of each race, the swimmer should ask the lane timer for his/her unofficial time. After each race, the swimmers are asked to come immediately to the coach. This gives the coach a chance to discuss the race with the swimmer while it is fresh in their memory. It's also an opportunity to add positive comments concerning splits, stroke technique, turns, starts, sportsmanship, etc... If a separate warm-down pool is available, Highbridge swimmers should take advantage ASAP following each race. 10] The time between races is crucial for rest, warmth, and energy. In order to have the maximum amount of energy, swimmers should eat light snacks and drink plenty of juices and water. I encourage all athletes and families to make nutrition a primary goal or hobby, not just for swim meets, but during the entire season. 11] Each swimmer, before leaving a meet, should record their official times. The coach also keeps notebooks of each swimmer's times and splits. An updated, computerized record of times will be distributed occasionally so that each swimmer can double-check their records. 12] If a swimmer needs to scratch a meet for any reason, they are still responsible for the entry fees. It is imperative that the swimmer informs the coach if he/she is unable to attend the meet once entries have been sent. 13] Be sure that swimmers and parents check with the coach before leaving the meet. Plans often change during the meet concerning relays, social functions, etc... 14] Whenever awards are presented at a meet, it is expected that Highbidge swimmers are prompt and thankful when picking up awards. If photographs are take, the team suit, or team sweats, must be worn. 15] What to bring to a swim meet: [click here for list to print]
16] As a matter of courtesy to the officials and meet hosts, it is preferable that swimmers and parents stay off the deck, and especially from behind the blocks, unless they are competing or serving in an official capacity. 17. As a matter of courtesy, all questions swimmers and parents may have concerning meet results, disqualifications, or the conduct of a meet, should be referred to the coach. The coach will pursue the matter through the proper channels. 18] Trips to meets in other cities become an important aspect of a swimmer's career as he/she advances. Parents are encouraged to attend out-of-town meets with their swimmers and chaperone other swimmers. I try to choose meets on our schedule that will be enjoyable for both swimmers and parents. 19] Whenever and wherever a Highbridge swimmer wears any item of the HA team uniform, he should remember that his actions and words reflect on the team he represents. Let your actions reflect the pride you have in the organization. 20] Remember to send medical release forms and emergency phone numbers with your children. Conclusion: Competition should be fun. My goal is to create a learning atmosphere where swimmers will have fun, make new and lasting friendships, and most of all, be the best team. Sportsmanship is the key. It includes cheering for teammates as well as picking up trash before we leave the meet. Last on my list of priorities is team point totals. I'm not interested in rivalries or recruiting swimmers just to add points. Team standings, gossip, and rumors often spoil good, clean fun. We're all swimmers. Cheer for our team members, not against others. I'm sure it may be fun to bring home a team trophy, but I hope the spirit, the fun, the friendships, and the pride will last much longer than the ribbons, medals, or trophies. |
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