Swim Meet Guidelines
Please see the Atlanta Swim Association website for the latest league updates, rules, and championship results:
MEET ARRIVAL Entered swimmers report at the check-in table typically at the upper Pavilion to receive their event slip and then proceed to their age group bullpen where they are to remain when not competing. A Bullpen Volunteer or Jr. Coach will help swimmers write their events on their arm as well as their name/age on their backs.
The bullpen is generally located on the lower deck of the northern side of the pool (along Wakefield at home meets), which makes it possible for the swimmers to support and cheer for fellow teammates. Parents not currently volunteering are to remain on the upper deck, Pavilion, or south side of the pool during the meet.
Swimmers must RSVP YES via the team website under upcoming events in order to be entered in the meet (entries are not automatic). Swimmers who are not checked in by 4:30 pm may have events shuffled or reassigned.
Life happens, but please do inform the coaching staff or swim parents if you (as a volunteer) or your swimmer will not be able to attend so we can make adjustments.
ENTERING RACES Swimmers will be entered in races according to their ability, team needs, and league rules. Swimming ability is judged by proficiency and speed in executing the stroke according to the rules and ability to complete the distance required.
SWIMMING UP The team may enter a child in events with older children to present the swimmer with a challenge, as well as meet team needs. This is called swimming up. Swimming up helps children lose their fear of the unknown and develop self-confidence and self-esteem and at the same time helps the team “fill in open gaps” in the line-up.
EVENT ASSIGNMENTS Assignment of events is at the coach’s discretion. Swimmers are expected to swim the events entered. Any discussion with the coaches should take place after practice.
BEFORE THE MEET The team warms up together prior to the meet after everyone is checked in. The 6 & unders do not warm up in the pool. All other age groups warm up in the pool for 10-15 minutes per group. Various strokes and warm up practices will be at the discretion of the coaches.
DURING THE MEET It is extremely important that swimmers stay in their bullpen at all times. Parents may bring food to the bullpen, but swimmers should not leave to go to the concession stand, playground, etc. until their program is finished. Swimmers should tell the bullpen parent if they need to go to the restroom and report back to Bullpen as quickly as possible. The swim meets are fast paced (especially during the relays) and with bullpen parents focused on lining up swimmers, searching for swimmers is a tough ask.
Swimmers MUST stay in their respective bullpen areas with their bullpen parent. The bullpen parents are responsible for gathering swimmers together for each event and getting them to the ready area. Before the meet, the bullpen parents will write their event, heat and lane assignments on the swimmers’ hands. This will help the swimmers and bullpen helpers remember what the children are swimming and with lining up in the ready area. It looks like a grid:
| E | H | L |
| 11 | 1 | 5 |
| E | H | L | P |
| 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
In the first grid, the swimmer is swimming EVENT 11, HEAT 1 and LANE 5. In the second grid the swimmer is in a relay. The swimmer is swimming event 1, heat 1, lane 4 and is in the 4th POSITION.
Younger swimmers need quiet activities that will keep them occupied during the meets. Some activities that have worked well are coloring books, reading books, card games, Gameboys etc. Please keep in mind that some items are easily lost during swim meets, so please label EVERYTHING.
