Meet Day FAQs
Q: What should I bring to the swim meet?
A: Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the meet by bringing plenty of drinks. Consider bringing a hearty snack or a small meal for those longer breaks between events. Pack two towels, chairs (especially for away meets), and if the weather is cool, bring some sweats. Don't forget to bring entertainment like cards, games, or books to pass the time between events.
Q: What time should I arrive for the meets?
A: For home meets, please be there by 4:30 pm, and for away meets, arrive by 5:00 pm. Being on time is crucial! Upon arrival, check in with your bullpen parent.
Q: What is the bullpen and why is it important?
A: The bullpen is where you'll find your age group. Bullpen parents will have heat sheets and can guide you on when your next event is. Stay with your age group in the bullpen, and parents, please be aware of your child’s location at all times. If they leave the bullpen area for any reason, ensure they return at least 6 events before their next scheduled swim.
Q: How will I know my swimmer(s)' events and schedule?
A: Every swimmer will be marked with the events that the swimmer will be swimming. The markings will indicate the Event numbers, the Heat numbers for each event, and the Lane numbers they will be in. For example, if the swimmer is marked 25/1/3, they will be swimming in the girls U8 25m freestyle, heat 1, lane 3.
Each event begins with the youngest age group and progresses to the oldest age group. There are 76 events total with one or more heats making up each event. U6 swimmers are finished after Event 36.
The order of events is as follows:
- U6 Freestyle Relays
- Medley Relays
- Individual Medley (IM) for U8 and older
- Freestyle
- Backstroke
- Breaststroke
- Butterfly
- Freestyle Relays for U8 and older
Q: What about volunteer jobs?
A: All swim team jobs are volunteer-based and are essential for a smooth meet. Parents, please sign up for three volunteer positions. Some positions switch at the halfway point (Event 35), so be sure to coordinate and relieve your predecessor if you signed up for a second-half slot.
Q: What does a Bull Pen Parent do?
A: Bull Pen Parents play a crucial role. They receive a heat sheet upon arrival, wear an apron for identification, and ensure swimmers are ready for warm-up and events. U12 and older swimmers are self-directed, while U6, U8, and U10 swimmers need assistance getting to the staging area for their events. Bull Pen Parents organize relays and ensure a smooth flow of events, gathering swimmers about 5 events before they are scheduled to swim.
Q: Can Bull Pen Parents change at the halfway point?
A: Generally, we do not change Bull Pen Parents at the halfway point to allow for a smooth learning curve. Your support is appreciated!
