Guide to your first swim meet

Your first swim meet is an exciting milestone. It can also feel a little overwhelming, but don't worry. Every swimmer, parent and official had a first meet too.

This guide explains what to expect and how to prepare, so your family can relax, enjoy the day and focus on having fun.

If you're unsure about anything, just ask one of our coaches, committee members or senior swimmers. We're always happy to help.

The night before

A little preparation makes race day much easier.

• check the meet information, including the venue, arrival time and warm up time

• pack your swim bag

• pack food and drinks

• make sure your goggles, cap and swimsuit are ready

• get a good night's sleep

What to pack

Along with your normal training gear, pack a few extra items for race day.

Wear your club colours

Blue and black help everyone spot the Yarra Plenty Waves team and build club spirit.

Food and drinks

Swimming meets can last several hours, so good nutrition is important.

We usually have catering available, but we recommend bringing your own food and drinks as well.

Good choices include:

• water

• fruit

• sandwiches or salad rolls

• yoghurt

• muesli or granola bars

• crackers

• bananas

Try to avoid lots of lollies, soft drinks and greasy takeaway food between races.

For more nutrition tips, visit our Swimmer Nutrition page.

When you arrive

Arrive when doors open, or at least 90 minutes before your swimmer's first race. This gives plenty of time to settle in, warm up and prepare for racing.

When you arrive:

1. Find the Yarra Plenty Waves team area.

2. Let a coach or event team member know you've arrived.

3. Set up your chair and belongings.

4. Listen for warm up announcements.

5. Join the team warm up.

Your swimmer should already be wearing their swimsuit underneath their clothes.

Warm up usually includes stretching on pool deck or in the gym, followed by an in-water warm up.

Our coaches and senior swimmers will guide swimmers through warm up, so don't worry if it's your first meet.

Before each race

Once warm up has finished:

• dry off and put on warm clothes

• have a drink

• eat a light snack if needed

• relax between races

• know which event is coming up next

Many families write their swimmer's events on their arm using a waterproof marker.

For example:

E4 - H2 - L5Event 4, Heat 2, Lane 5

E12 - H1 - L3Event 12, Heat 1, Lane 3

Your swimmer will also be called to marshalling before each race, so they'll receive reminders throughout the day.

Remember to keep track of goggles and your swim cap. There's nothing more stressful than searching for them just before a race.

After each race

Encourage your swimmer to:

• speak with their coach for feedback

• have a drink

• eat a light snack

• stay warm

• relax before their next race

Every race is an opportunity to learn and improve.

Personal best times are worth celebrating, no matter where your swimmer finishes.

Race results

Results are usually posted during the meet or published online afterwards.

Because officials need time to process each race, results often appear a few events behind.

Results show:

• finishing order

• race time

• placing

Many meets also upload results to Swim Central after the meet.

Frequently asked questions

What is marshalling?

Marshalling is where swimmers are organised before their race.

At Yarra Plenty Waves meets, swimmers meet in our community room before each event. Our volunteers help swimmers line up in the correct event, heat and lane before walking them to the starting blocks.

Don't worry if it's your swimmer's first meet. We'll guide them every step of the way.

What is a heat?

Most events have more swimmers than can fit in the pool at one time.

Swimmers are divided into smaller groups called heats. Each heat swims the same event.

Once all heats have finished, the times are compared to determine the final placings and medals.

What is a PB?

PB stands for Personal Best.

It means your swimmer has recorded their fastest time in that event.

For many swimmers, achieving a PB is just as exciting as winning a medal.

What if my child misses their race?

If your swimmer misses their race, don't panic.

Come and see a Yarra Plenty Waves event team member straight away. While we can't always add a swimmer back into an event once it has started, we'll do everything we can to help.

Can parents go on pool deck?

Yes.

At Yarra Plenty Waves meets, parents are welcome on pool deck. Bring a deck chair, find a spot and cheer on all the swimmers.

There's no need to follow your child around the pool. Our coaches, volunteers and senior swimmers will help guide them where they need to be.

What should my child do between races?

Between races, swimmers should:

• speak with their coach for feedback

• have a drink

• eat a light snack

• stay warm

• rest and relax

• read a book, colour or play a quiet game

• cheer on their teammates

Swimming is a team sport, and supporting each other is part of the fun.

Who do I ask if I'm confused?

Just ask.

Our Yarra Plenty Waves event team members, coaches and experienced families are always happy to help.

No question is too small. We all remember what it was like at our first swim meet.

Our top tips

✔ Arrive when doors open, or at least 90 minutes before your swimmer's first race.

✔ Listen for announcements.

✔ Stay warm between races.

✔ Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

✔ Keep track of your goggles and swim cap.

✔ Cheer on your teammates.

✔ Talk to your coach before and after each race.

✔ Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the experience.

Every swimmer starts somewhere. Your first swim meet is the beginning of an exciting journey, and everyone at Yarra Plenty Waves is here to support you every step of the way.