Your First Swim Meet
Welcome to the whirlwind! This guide covers everything from signing up to your final race.
The Goal: Fun & Learning
Your first meet isn't about winning or getting a perfect time. It is about experiencing the energy, cheering for teammates, and learning the routine. Every swim is a success!
π The Week Before
1. Sign Up for Events
You will get an email to sign up via Team Unify. Coaches suggest events, but you have a say! Don't miss the deadline.
2. Check the "Psych Sheet"
A few days before the meet, a list of all swimmers ranked by time is sent out. This is just a preview, not the final schedule.
π The Night Before: Packing List
π For the Swimmer
- Swim Suit (Wear one, pack a spare)
- Goggles (2 pairs, pre-fitted)
- GAC Swim Cap (Pack two!)
- Towels (At least 2βone to dry, one to sit on)
- Warm Layers (Parka/Sweatsβpools get cold!)
- Deck Shoes (Flip-flops/Crocs)
- Water Bottle (Hydration is key)
- Healthy Snacks (Granola bars, fruit, bagels)
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ For the Parent
- Sharpie Marker (Essential!)
- Cash (Concessions/Heat Sheets)
- Folding Chair (Bleachers get hard)
- Highlighter (Find your swimmer in the program)
- Portable Charger (Meets are long)
- Layers (Dress for tropical heat AND drafts)
β± Meet Day Step-by-Step
Arrive 15 mins before warm-ups. Find the GAC banner/tent. This is your home base.
The swimmer MUST find their coach immediately to check in. They will get warm-up lane instructions.
Follow the meet live on the Meet Mobile App. It is the best way to see heat sheets and results in real-time.
Never leave a meet without checking with the coach! You might be needed for a relay.
πΊοΈ How to Read a Heat Sheet
The "Roadmap"
If you know these three numbers, you will never miss a race. It is always written like this:
- Event: What they are swimming (e.g., "Event 12: 50 Freestyle").
- Heat: The specific group of swimmers they are racing (organized by speed).
- Lane: Their assigned lane in the pool.
Parent Tip: Write these 3 numbers on your swimmer's arm with a Sharpie!
What do the times mean?
Next to every swimmer's name is a time:
- Seed Time: Their personal BEST official time in that event. This determines which Heat they are in.
- NT (No Time): This means they have never swum this event officially. They are establishing a base time today!
β New Parent FAQ
Building competitive spirit and character in swimmers of all ages in the Flathead Valley.
