Meet Preparation: It's Your Swimmer's Job!
We want to emphasize how important it is for each swimmer to take responsibility for their own meet preparation. You can use Alto’s "Pack Your Own Bag" meet checklist. This is not just for "older" swimmers. This checklist is meant for swimmers of all ages, including our youngest athletes.
I recommend printing out this check list at home. Every swimmer should take responsibility for collecting and packing these items. Parents can help by preparing healthy snacks or meals if needed, but parents should not pack the bag for their swimmer.
For younger swimmers, encourage them to complete the checklist as independently as possible, then review it together and help with anything they may have missed. The process will likely take longer when a swimmer does it on their own, and an item may be forgotten the first time around. That is part of the learning process, and it is OK!
Children benefit from age-appropriate responsibilities and develop confidence, independence, and a sense of accomplishment when they are trusted to do things for themselves. Our goal isn't just to develop athletes, it is to help develop capable, responsible, and independent young people. Packing a swim bag is a simple and important opportunity to practice these skills!
Parents, free to tell your swimmer that their coach said this is required.
