Aquia Harbour Dolphins

Competition begins at 6 pm and can run until 10 pm. Warmups traditionally begin about 4:30, with home team warming up first. Each team typically gets 30 minutes and depending on team size, will split warmups. We are a large team and split the swimmers, 10 and under and 11 and up. Keep in mind, weather (lightening and thunder) can delay a meet.

When you arrive:

• Arrive at the pool at least 15 minutes before the scheduled warm-up time begins. If you are at the pool by 4:30, you will have time to set up and get your swimmer ready for warm ups. Often coaches announce or post exact warm-up times several days before a meet as well.
• Find a place to put your swimmer’s “stuff.”
• Help your swimmer find the coaches to let them know you are at the meet.
• Find the heat sheet; this is where you will find what heat and lane your swimmer is in for each event.This will also be emailed prior to the meet and available at the practice the morning of the meet. 

• Write each event number, heat, and lane on your swimmer’s arm in permanent” (i.e., waterproof) marker, like a Sharpie. This helps your swimmer remember what events he or she is swimming, what event number to listen for, and what lane to get lined up behind. This step is sometimes saved until after the swimmers are done with warm-ups. We will demonstrate this at "Time Trials" during the first few weeks of practice.

• Swimmers report to the coach for warm-ups. It is very important for all swimmers to warm-up with the team. Swimmers’ bodies are just like cars on a cold day; they need to get the engine going and warmed-up before being able to go all out.
• Swimmers return to the parent’s area after warm-ups.

When the meet starts:

• Know what events your swimmer is competing in. It is important for a swimmer to know what event numbers they are swimming. Again, a heat sheet and sharpie are a swim parent’s best friends!
• Keep an eye on the clerk of the course board. When your swimmer's event is called, they need to report to the clerk of course with cap and goggles. This step allows the clerk to verify each swimmer is present. Upcoming events are usually written on a large dry erase board or on pole with flip cards. 
• Following check in with the Clerk of the course, your swimmer will report to the blocks or the bullpen. There will be a row of benches for swimmers to sit. The clerk of course helpers and coaches will line up the swimmers on the beenches.
• The timers behind the starting blocks will often check to make sure that swimmers are lined up in the correct order. However, it is always a good idea to have your swimmer check in with the lane timers to make sure they are in the right lane and heat.
• Parents, find a seat. Parents must sit in the spectator area.

Recommended gear for meets:

• Goggles, team suit, and cap (if you do not have a cap, please see the coach or board to borrow one, there are league rules that apply to caps and if violated can disqualify a swimmer)
  • Please ensure your swimmer wears a team cap or plain cap not affiliated with another team.
• Two towels
• Sharpies (to write events on hand/arm)
• Change of clothes
• Chairs, blankets, and toys for entertainment (meets can last a long time)
• Healthy snacks
• Water
• Cash for the concession stand