During the Meet
HOW A MEET IS ORGANIZED
There are 7 different “Strokes,” spread out into 70 “Events”.
During each “Event”, there may be multiple “Heats” based on how many kids are in that age group.
Seven (7) Strokes:
- Events #1-10 Medley Relay - Four swimmers, each swimmer does one stroke, in this order: Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, and Freestyle.
- Events #11-20 Freestyle
- Events #21-30 Butterfly
- Events #31-40 Backstroke
- Events #41-50 Breaststroke
- Events #51-60 Individual Medley (IM) - One swimmer does all four strokes in order: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle
- Events #61-70 Freestyle Relay - Four different swimmers all swim the freestyle stroke
DURING THE MEET:
Loudspeaker and “The Zoo”: There is a Meet Director who will call out events throughout the night. Listen carefully and keep your swimmer on track! When called, your swimmer checks into the “Zoo” to get lined up for their event. If your child misses their event, they do NOT get to make it up.
Cheering: Have your swimmer make signs! Decorate their body with sharpie tattoos! (“Eat my bubbles!”) Cheer for all the swimmers and for your team! Enjoy the team spirit!
End of your Events: When your swimmer has done their last event, you are free to go home. Unless you are volunteering 2nd shift, then the volunteer needs to stay until the end.
How Much Will My Child Swim?
Depending on the age, most swimmers will swim 2 or 3 events per meet. The Coach will carefully place the kids in their events the day before the meet, based on attendance, relay team setups, and preparedness of the swimmers.
The SSL Bylaws limit Swimmers to 3 individual events and 2 relays per meet.
How will your child remember when to swim?
Every swimmer is required to check-in with their coach upon arrival at the meet. Upon check-in, they will find out what events they're scheduled for that day, and the coach will write details on their arms. This infomation can be found on the Heat Sheet for that meet.