So You're Going to a Swim Meet

So You're Going to a Swim Meet
From the CVST Handbook
 
1.     Plan to spend at least four (4) hours at an "Open" or "Invitational" meets (sometimes longer).     
2.     Plan to spend about 2 to 4 hours at small Development Meets.
3.    Take along:
                a. Blanket to spread or sit on
                b. Entertainment items (cards, books, games, toys, etc.)
                c. Money!  (To buy heat sheets, souvenirs and snacks)
                d. Sun tan lotion & sun glasses
                e. T-shirts for swimmers and hats
                f. In cold weather, several towels and a change of clothing
                g. Folding chairs or stadium seats    
                h. Warm-up outfits
                i. Goggles, cap, team suit, extra suit
                j. All swimmer's clothing and towels marked with his name
                k. Sleeping bag for cold weather meets
4.     Buy a heat sheet upon arrival at the meet.
5.     Know ahead of time what events your swimmer(s) will be in, locate their events and heats in the heat sheet and tell them the numbers (remember this information was posted at the pool), and write the events, in marker, on their legs.
6.     Make sure your swimmers see their Coach before and after each event. 
7.     It is the responsibility of the swimmer to be ready and on the blocks for each event.  This way the Coaches can be sure to see all swimmers race.  The Coaching Staff will not hunt for your child before a race.
8.     Remind your swimmers to get their times from the lane timer when they get out of the water and to report this time the coaches.  These times are not the necessarily the official times, nor are the times on the score boards.  The official times will be posted in the “Results Area” after the event has been scored.
9.     Do not permit your swimmers to indulge in horseplay or roughhousing during any meet.
10.   Do not allow your swimmers to eat during a meet without checking with the Coaching Staff first.
11.   Do not leave the meet until it is over without checking with the coaches.  A child is often due to swim a relay at the very end and the relay would have to scratch without one swimmer.
12.   Do not talk with the Coaching Staff unnecessarily.  They need their attention for the swimmers and their times.
13.   Encourage your swimmers to rest between events.  All swimmers should remain in the designated team area during the meet.
14.   Plan to work at the meet if possible.  This will make it go by much faster.
15.   It is a USA Swimming rule that no smoking is permitted on the pool deck.
16.   For overnight trips plan for heat, sun, cold, or rain!  Remember, REST for the swimmers and a good nights sleep is extremely important. 
17.   Vocally support all CVST swimmers!
18.   HAVE A GOOD TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!