First Meet of the Season Jitters!

The first meet of the season is finally here, and we couldn’t be more excited to kick things off! Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or new to the team, we know there are a lot of questions about the ins and outs of how swim meets run. From check-in procedures to event timing, swim meets can seem overwhelming, but we're here to help make it all clear. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to feel prepared and confident for your first meet of the season.

What do all these words mean?

  • Event: Which swimming race you will participate in. 25 yard freestyle, 50 yard backstroke, etc

  • Heat: Which round you will swim in. Heat 1 will go first, then 2, 3, etc.

  • Lane: Your assigned lane for the event. You will know when you swim by knowing which heat and lane you are in. There is a scoreboard that will tell you which event/heat/lane they are on so you can keep track of where they are.

  • Scratch: Taking the swimmer out of the event

    • If you are unable to swim in the meet, let your coach know 60+ days in advance. Meets open for entries early and will close fast. If you find out you cannot attend but the entries have been sent out, let your coach know ASAP.

  • Psych Sheet: A list of all the swimmers in each event listed from fastest to slowest

  • Timeline: How long the swim meet will take

Where do I sit?

  • Team Area: Alto Tents are provided for the swimmers only. The team area is a great resource for the swimmers. They are able to interact with their teammates, be a part of the swimming environment, and learn how to be responsible for themselves. Bring a lawn chair to sit on, and make some new friends!

When do I arrive on the day of the meet?

  • The coaches will send out an email with your group’s arrival time. This time is not optional. If you are running late due to any reason, let your coach know ASAP or you could be scratched from that day’s events.

    • Warm-up: Coaches lead a warm up for the swimmers. This gives them time to prepare to race and last minute adjustments to their stroke. Do not miss warm up. 

    • Deck-seeded meets: You need to check-in for each event you are participating in that day. There is a check-in table where you find your name based on age and circle each event number and initial.

      • Arrive early to the pool (15 minutes prior to coach’s arrival time)  to make sure you have time to check-in. Missing check-in will result in not being able to swim your events. 

Parent Expectations

  • Parents are in a supporting, volunteering and cheering role. You can encourage your swimmers by cheering them on during their races. All race feedback and critique comes from the coach.

Where can I watch the event?

  • There will be designated parent viewing areas. Parents are not allowed to sit in the Alto Team Area with the Alto tents. This is an area for the swimmers to get to know each other and be with their team.

  • Areas that a deck marshal, meet director, or coach communicates as “athlete only” should not include parents.

    • Behind the blocks (unless timing as a volunteer)

    • In the coaches tent

    • Areas marked off as athlete-only with caution tape / signage

  • Please be respectful of the areas that are marked for athletes/coaches/officials only. 

Swim meets are more than just races—they’re moments that create lasting memories for swimmers and their families. So, as we head into this season, remember to embrace the journey, enjoy the fun, and soak up every moment. Get ready to dive in and enjoy the ride—because the best is yet to come!

Laura Mitchell