All the Questions You Ever Had About VTST Summer Swim Meets

Here are some answers to a few common questions we have about swim meets, including how to sign up, what to expect, and information about the always important ribbons.

How do I sign my swimmers up for a meet?

It’s easy! In the notebook at the fitness counter desk, put your swimmer’s name on the sign up sheet for the meets you plan to attend. If you find out later that you are unable to attend, please cross your swimmer’s name out and be sure to let Coach Andersen know by the entry deadline. If you find out after the entry deadline, please contact Coach Andersen as soon as possible.

When we go to a meet, what does my swimmer need?

Before leaving for a meet, please check to make sure your swimmer has a suit, goggles, and a towel. It’s also a great idea to have some snacks, shade or a chair, as well as something to help your swimmer pass the time. Sunscreen and a Sharpie is also a plus! Swimmers will often write things on their hands like event numbers, heat numbers, and lanes, if they know them .

What is warm-up?

Before a meet, all of the swimmers go through a warm up routine to loosen up and focus the swimmers. It is important both physically and mentally in terms of preparation for our meets. When we have home meets, swimmers warm up at 5pm, and we warm up at 5:30pm for away meets. The only meets where this is a difference are the Sprint/Distance Meet (for 11-12 and up) and the championship meet.

How do I know what events my swimmer is in?

The coaches have entered your swimmers in certain events based on team needs for the meet and what we have seen as strengths and points for your swimmer to challenge themselves. They are only allowed to swim a maximum of three individual events and two relays or four individual events and one relay. Swimmers are chosen for relays using a computer program based on times, with consideration for the need to fill individual events for the team. Swimmers can check entry lists posted by the coaches or the Meet Mobile app on the phone when at home meets (for individual events only).

Once you’re finished with all of your events, tell a coach before leaving. It may be that we need a swimmer to substitute on a final relay, so it’s always good to check before leaving!

OK, we’re at a meet. Now what?

Have fun! Cheer on your teammates, even if you don’t know them! Swimmers will need to listen as the events are called so they can go to the clerk of course for their swims. The clerk of course will get the kids in the correct heat and lane for their races. We don’t want anyone to miss an event!

If you can, we’d love to have you help out! Timing is easy and very helpful, and we really always need volunteers. Parents willing to help with scoring, starting and officiating, or running the timing system are welcome to speak to Coach Andersen and he will work on training you. We do need your help! Come and sign up to volunteer when you arrive at the meet.

My kids won races! Will they get ribbons?

Yes! We give ribbons for 1st-5th places, and 1st and 2nd places for relays. If your swimmer wins their heat, they should get a heat winner ribbon at the conclusion of their race! We give out all of the ribbons earned over the season at our end of season potluck, held at Rotary Park.