Listed below are some guidelines to help you through your first couple of swim meets. If you have any questions, please ask your coach. 

Before the Meet Starts  

• Be sure to know what events your child is swimming by checking the email from the Head Coach or by looking in the Team Unify Events Tab.

• Arrive at the pool at least 15 minutes before the scheduled warm-up time begins. This time will be listed in the meet information handed out to all swimmers.  Updated Meet Package Information can always be found on the Swimming Canada Upcoming Meets page.

• After changing, the swimmer should bring all personal items out to the deck and look for teammates and coaches. The team usually sits in one place together, so look for some familiar faces.

• Parents are not allowed on deck. Swimmers are required to check in with the coach when they arrive.

• If you can, download the Heat Sheets (Meet Programs) ahead of time by checking on the Host Team’s website.  BAD will post Heat Sheets on Team Unify (link here).  Some teams will sell Heat Sheets in the lobby or concession area of the pool.

Heat Sheets list all swimmers in each event, by heat and lane, in order of "seed time". If the swimmer is in an event for the first time, they will be entered as a "no-time" or "NT":

• New swimmers find it helpful to write their events on their arm. This helps the swimmer remember their events. 

• The coach will direct the swimmer to warm up and provide instructions. It is very important for all swimmers to warm-up prior to racing. 

• After your swimmer has warmed-up, they will go back to the area where the team is sitting and wait there until their first event is called. 

• The meet starts immediately following the warm-up period. 

• Parents are not allowed on deck unless they are serving in an official capacity.  All questions concerning meet results, an officiating call, or the conduct of a meet, should be directed to a coach. The coach in turn, will pursue the matter through the proper channels, if required.  

When the Meet Starts

• Some meets are marshaled, and some are not. 

Marshaling: The swimmer reports to the Clerk of Course (marshalling area) when their event is called for marshaling.  Swimmers report with their cap and goggles.  The Clerk lines up the swimmers in their heat/lane order and leads them to the starting blocks. There are usually several heats for each event.

Un-marshaled: A swimmer reports directly to their lane for competition in advance of their race. This usually occurs at the competitive level.  Check with your swimmer's coach for specific instructions. 

• When the swimmer arrives behind the blocks they are to check in with the timer.  Races proceed in order according to the Heat Sheets, so swimmers must follow along.

• The Referee will blow a whistle before the start of each race to indicate that the next heat of swimmers should get up on the blocks.  The starter will then ask the swimmers to “Take your marks” and start the race with the beep signal.

• After each race, the swimmer should debrief with the coach. 

• After speaking with the coach, the swimmers should prepare for their next event. The swimmer may need to report immediately to marshaling for their next event or may have time to sit with the team.

• When a swimmer has completed all of their events the swimmer should check in with the coach before leaving. A swimmer may be entered in a relay. 

• Results are usually posted somewhere in the facility, or online.  You may wish to download the “Meet Mobile” App for live results.  If awards are given at the event, they will be gathered for the team and given to the coach at the end of the meet.  The coach will give the awards to the swimmers at a later time.

​What To Bring To The Meet 

• Swim suit, BAD cap, and goggles.  Consider bringing a back-up.

• Towels. Your swimmer will be there a while, so pack at least two. 

• BAD T-shirt. To be worn on deck.

• BAD Track Suit (Competitive) or warm clothing (Developmental). It is important to keep muscles warm between races. 

• Food. Each swimmer `should bring a few small healthy snacks and water. Suggestions for items to bring are fruit, granola bars, yogurt, cereal, and sandwiches.

• Valuable items should not be brought to a meet. If you do so, it is at your own risk.  

Once you have attended one or two meets this will all become routine.  Please do not hesitate to ask other parents for help or information. 

Swim Meets are a lot of fun for the swimmers!

Final Thoughts

• The pool area is usually very warm. Dress accordingly. 

• Sessions can be up to 4.5h long, plus warm-up.  You may want to bring a snack for yourself and maybe some reading material.  

• Better yet, become an official and get involved.  You get to be close to the action and have a great view of your child’s race!

If you have any questions - just ask!