Swim Meets 101
What to expect at a Swim Meet
Swim meets typically last between 3-4 hours. Typically the younger kids are done earlier as the longer races are towards the end of the meet.
Swimmers will swim in 4 events. Coaches will make their best effort to enroll your swimmer in their preferred events. At times they may need to put them in events that they did not specifically select due to skill, need to fill certain spots, and/or to challenge the swimmer in a stroke they are working on.
When you arrive at the meet you will need to check in with the coaches and the Parent Volunteer Coordinator.
- Coaches will have your child's list of events. Typically they will write their event numbers on their arms
- Parent Volunteer Coordinators will give you your name badge and explain where to go for your volunteer role
Parents and swimmers will need to watch for their children's events. The Bull Pen will post which events they are lining up and typically the Starter will announce which events are lining up in the Bull Pen. Parents can also monitor meet progress on the Swimtopia app. All Bogey Home meets will use the app to monitor the meets. Most other clubs will provide this as well.
Most families work together to help each other watch kids and help kids to events while parents are volunteering.
How to Prepare for and what to bring
Preliminary event assignments will be sent out prior to the meet. (Some last minute changes may be made prior to the meet due to unexpected absences.)
Rules for each meet location will be posted on the League Website. Home - St. Charles County Summer Swim League (swimtopia.com)
Most locations do not allow animals, and some have other more specific rules. For example, Bogey Hills does not allow animals or coolers, but will normally provide a bartender.
The swim league site will also provide information about parking and directions to events. Please note that most pools are in subdivisions and parking can be a challenge. Please respect all parking rules and be prepared to walk a bit in at certain locations.
All locations will have a concession stand. While we like to support these concessions stands as they are fundraisers for each club, however families can bring their own snacks and drinks if they choose.
Other items to consider bringing:
- Towels
- Goggles
- Swim caps
- Dry clothes (consider long sleeves or hoodies for cooler nights)
- Blankets
- Chairs
- Activities to keep your swimmer busy between events
- Money for concession stand
