Swim Meet FAQ
Do I have to go to meets?
Meets are optional. But meet participation is highly encouraged. Meets are not only how we best measure progress, but racing is the best way to experience how hard you can push yourself. Going to meets also gives your coach more accurate data, so they know exactly which events to put your swimmer in based on everyone’s times.
How fast should my swimmer be before entering in meets?
If your swimmer is on the team, they are fast enough for meets. Please go to meets!
How do I sign up my child for a meet?
Go to our “Swim Meets & Events” tab. Sign ups normally open a week before the meet. If a meet is open, you will see a green box to the right: “Meet Entry Open”. Clicking on that, you can select if your swimmer is available for the meet. You can also leave a note to the coach regarding the meet.
Do we have practice the morning before/after the meet?
Yes! We don't cancel practices for meets. We know there is a meet later in the evening, so we will make sure the athletes are ready and prepared at practice. And some meets go late, but we will still have practice the next morning. No practices are mandatory, so if you feel the need to sleep in, then sleep in!
Does my child need a team suit and cap?
Every swimmer should have a team suit and cap. However, in case of emergency, most suits and caps are legal. I recommend having a back up cap and a plain black or blue suit. Boys should not wear trunks; suits should be form fitting.
The following is not allowed and may result in a DQ: ⦁A visible logo from any other team ⦁A suit with a zipper or an external tie ⦁Boys may not wear a suit that extends past the knees, or goes above the naval (no swim shirts) ⦁Girls may not wear a suit that extends past the knees or covers the shoulders
Do I have to work at the meet?
Yes. Per the agreement in the registration, all families must be willing to have one adult work at each meet. Refusing to volunteer may result in the family being barred from the end of season banquet party.
Do I need training to volunteer at a meet?
Most positions (timer, scribe, finish judge, head timer, card runner, take-off judge, and card sorter) do not require any knowledge or training. There is a short meeting at the beginning of every meet to teach everyone what they need to do. Scoring is a more challenging position, but it does not require formal training. Shadowing a veteran scorer is recommended. Being a starter, stroke & turn judge, and a referee does require a training class, which is free.
Will I be costing the team points by not attending meets?
Probably. Most swimmers that swim at meets do earn points. There are 5 individual events and 2 relays in a meet, but a swimmer can only swim in 4 out of 7 races. Several swimmers from each group (ie, 9-10 Girls) are needed to maximize points.
How does scoring work?
Only the first heat in each event (ie, 13-14 Boys 50 Free) is scored, any heats after are exhibition. Exhibition swims are great for practicing racing and to get accurate times. Points for placing are as follows: First = 5, Second = 3, Third = 2, Fourth = 1. Only two swimmers per team may score. If SAC finishes a race with First, Second, and Third place, we will only score 8 points (5+3), while the other team will score 3 points (2+1), assuming they had two swimmers swimming. Relays points are as follows: First = 7, Second = 3. Only one relay per team may score.
Why have a third swimmer or a B relay if they can’t score?
Because they may score! A “C” swimmer or a “B” relay in an event could beat a teammate, or a teammate could be DQ’ed in the race. Even if the “C” swimmer had no chance of beating a teammate, they can still get a best time and valuable experience competing.
Do I have to dress up with the theme?
Please do! Parents are welcome to join in on the fun!
