Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring to a meet?
Your swimmer, lawn chairs, sun block, food, warm clothes if cool weather is expected, some money- concession stands will be open.

What should a swimmer bring to a meet?
A swim-suit, cap, goggles, towels (usually more than one), sun block, warm clothing, something to read or play with, food and drinks, maybe a little money. (See above)

What is a heat sheet?
This is a program of events listing swimmer’s events, heats and lane assignments.

What is an event?
It is the age group, length and stroke being swum.

What is a heat?
It is the placement in the event that a swimmer is assigned. This is usually assigned based on a swimmers time. This allows the swimmers to compete against swimmers of comparable skill levels.

What is an exhibition heat?
It is a heat being where the contestant swims for time and not for score.

What is a live heat?
It is a heat that counts for overall team score.

What is staging?

This is placing the swimmers in a designated area prior to their heat of competition. This avoids missed swims.

How is a meet scored?
During the live heat points are awarded to the top three finishes. During the relay part of competition only the top finish scores points. These points are tallied for a final team score.

What is a DQ?
It is a disqualification. Swimmers disqualify themselves when they are not swimming a stroke according to USS/league rules. This is not something bad. It is a way to help swimmers improve.

Does my child have to dive off the blocks?
No, if a swimmer is not comfortable going off the blocks he/she may jump or dive from the side of pool alongside the block - subject to forward start rules.

What length does my child swim in a meet?
The 8 and under and 10 and under swimmers swim one length (25 meters). All other age group swimmers swim 2 lengths (50 meters).

What is a flip turn?
It is a type of turn performed at the end of the first length of a multi-length event.

Is there a charge to get into a Dual Meet?

There is no charge for Dual Meet entries.

What are the Personal Best Coupons?

Throughout the season, swimmers have the opportunity to earn Personal Best ribbons every time they achieve a best time.  Swimmers may earn a personal best ribbon by swimming a best time in any official race where they have not been disqualified.

What is a seed time?

The fastest time in which the swimmer has swum an event prior to the submission of entries for the meet. This is the time entered for the swimmer for the event. It is a good goal to try to beat this time at the meet.

 What are warm-ups?

A short period of swimming prior to the meet that lets the swimmers get their muscles loosened up.

Does my child need to be at warm-ups?

YES! It helps the swimmers get a feel for the pool, the walls, and the starting blocks. Equally important, it gets the swimmer to the meet early enough for the coach to verify the swimmer’s attendance.

What is a line-up?

A line-up is a listing of what events the swimmers are swimming in the meet.

What if my child cannot swim in a meet?

Please let the coaches know as soon as possible if a swimmer cannot attend a meet.

What if my child gets sick the day of the meet?

As soon as you know your swimmer won’t be attending the meet, let the coach know so they can make the necessary changes.

What is my child swimming in the upcoming meet?

Dual meet line-ups will be posted in the breezeway, and the coach will tell the swimmers before practice. The swimmers will also receive an index card at the meet to them and you know what events they will be swimming.

What does DQ mean?

DQ stands for disqualification. Swimmers disqualify themselves when they are not swimming a stroke according to league rules. This is not something bad, it is a way to help swimmers know what to improve. The official or stroke and turn judge will usually tell the swimmer what they did wrong. Points are not awarded to swimmers who DQ.

How can my child stay warm on chilly evenings?

They should have enough towels with them to use a dry one after each event. Sweats are also good for keeping warm between events.

Are meets canceled for inclement weather?

All meets are held rain or shine, except for thunderstorms, but always GO ANYWAY. In many cases, we will wait out the storm and try to proceed with the meet. You will be notified by phone and our website if a meet has been canceled.

What should my child do during the meet?

During meets, we expect all swimmers to sit with the team and cheer each other on. They should bring books, CD’s and relaxing games to keep occupied until their events.