Swim Meet 411
Q: How long is a typical swim meet?
A: A typical dual meet occurs once a week and last a minimum of 3 hours, including warm-up time. It is important to be on time for warm-ups and to stay for the duration of the meet.
Q: What should my child wear to a swim meet?
A: Athletes should wear their team suit, team cap, and goggles while competing. Athletes should also wear a Cherokee-branded t-shirt.
Q: What do we need to pack?
A: All things Cherokee. Don't forget your team suit, cap, goggles, and team shirt. Extra towels are a must. When we host the meet, we offer a buffet during the meet. If we are visiting another team, they typically have concessions for sale, or you can pack your own food.
Q: Is food available at swim meets?
A: Home meets - there is a buffet available. Away meets - pack a cooler. The club does cater boxed meals for City Meet and SMI.
Q: How do I know what my child is swimming at a meet?
A: Events are posted a few days prior on the SwimTopia website/app. Heat Sheets will also be available day-of. At the meet, parent volunteers will round-up the athletes and get them to their appropriate event. It is also encouraged to write event, heat, and lane on a swimmer's arm using a Sharpie.
Q: What should we expect at each meet?
A: There should be no downtime, meaning athletes who are not competing should be cheering on their teammates. Swim meets should be high energy, high competition, and high fun!
Additional Information:
The first heat is the ONLY scoring heat. Therefore, in a dual meet, there will only be three scoring lanes per team. First heat swimmers are chosen based on skill and speed. However, swimmers in each heat will receive heat ribbons based on placement in their heat.
