Swim Meets 101
Swim Meet Information
During the summer season, the Glenhardie Gators compete in six SVAL dual meets, which are typically held on Tuesday or Thursday evenings.
Meets begin at 6:00 PM and usually conclude between 8:00–9:00 PM. Swimmers should plan to arrive by 5:00 PM (or earlier if directed by the coaches) to allow time for check-in and warm-ups before the meet begins.
Swimmer Check-In
Swimmers
When swimmers arrive at the meet, they should check in with the Assistant Coach and review their heat sheet, which lists the events they will be swimming that evening. Heat sheets will be posted near the coaches’ area (for home meets this is typically on the baby pool fence).
Parents
Parents are encouraged to take a photo of the heat sheet so they can help swimmers keep track of their events. Many swimmers also like to write their event numbers on their arm with a marker for easy reference during the meet.
Understanding the Heat Sheet
Coaches will post an Athlete Check-In Report, which lists each swimmer’s events for the meet.
Each entry includes:
- Event number
- Event name
- Heat number
- Lane assignment
- Swimmer’s name and age group
- Team name
- Entry time (when available)
As the season progresses and swimmers establish times, heats will typically be organized by seed time.
What to Bring to a Swim Meet
Please make sure your swimmer brings the following items:
- Multiple towels
- Goggles and a backup pair
- Swim cap
- Healthy snacks and plenty of water
- Warm layers to wear between events (important on cooler evenings)
- Marker to write events on swimmer’s hand
- Activities for downtime between races (cards, small games, etc.)
- Chairs
- Blanket or towel for sitting on the ground
- Umbrella or shade cover if desired
Order of Events
Boys and girls swim separate events, and events progress from youngest age group to oldest. Girls typically swim first, followed by boys in the same age group.
Each event may have multiple heats depending on the number of swimmers.
Typical Event Order
- Medley Relay
- Freestyle
- Backstroke
- Breaststroke
- Butterfly
- Freestyle Relay
Relay Events
Medley Relay
The medley relay consists of four swimmers, each swimming a different stroke in the following order:
- Backstroke
- Breaststroke
- Butterfly
- Freestyle
For younger swimmers (10 & Under), each swimmer completes one lap. Breaststroke and freestyle swimmers will start from the opposite end of the pool.
Freestyle Relay
Freestyle relays are typically the final events of the meet and are often a highlight for swimmers and spectators.
Relay teams consist of four swimmers, each swimming freestyle.
Distance varies by age group:
- 10 & Under: 100m relay (each swimmer swims one lap)
- 11–12 and older: 200m relay (each swimmer swims two laps)
Because relay teams sometimes change due to last-minute adjustments, swimmers are asked not to leave early, as they may be added to a relay if needed.
Volunteer Information
Swim meets rely heavily on parent volunteers to run smoothly. Volunteers should check in with a board member upon arrival to receive instructions and materials for their assigned role.
Volunteer Roles (No Training Required)
Announcer
Uses the pool’s PA system to announce events, call swimmers to the starting area, and communicate meet updates.
Bull Pen Parent (Boys / Girls)
Helps organize swimmers before their events and escorts them to the ready area before races begin.
Timer
Times swimmers using handheld stopwatches during races and records times on timing slips.
Runner
Collects timing slips from timers and delivers them to the scoring table.
Place Judge
Records the finishing order of swimmers in each race.
Concessions / Fundraising
Assists with snack sales and fundraising activities during home meets.
Volunteer Roles (Training or Experience Required)
Computer Operator
Enters race times into the meet management software.
Starter
Coordinates race starts using the starting system and manages false starts.
Stroke & Turn Judge
Ensures swimmers are following proper stroke technique and turn rules according to league guidelines.
