Old Bridge Y Otters

What Is a Swim Meet?

A swim meet is an opportunity for swimmers to apply the skills they practice throughout the season in a fun and supportive competitive environment. Meets allow swimmers to challenge themselves, improve their times, earn ribbons, and contribute to the team's success.

For many swimmers, meets are also one of the most enjoyable parts of the season, providing opportunities to build friendships, cheer on teammates, and create lasting memories.

Many Swimmers, especially younger swimmers, find it helpful to write their events on their hand or arm using a SHARPIE or PEN (don't worry, it will wash away)

A common format is:

E | H | L | S

E = Event number    L = Lane

H = Heat                  S = Stroke

on their arms

For example:

If I were Ruth McGree, I would write:

E | H | L | S

7  | 2 | 3 | 100 IM

19 | 3| 3 | 25 Free

WE NEED YOU!! Please offer your time. The best place to see the meet is from the deck, and the only way to get on the deck is to VOLUNTEER! To help ensure volunteer responsibilities are shared fairly across the team, each family is expected to volunteer at a minimum of two (2) swim meets during the season with championships.

Volunteer opportunities will be posted throughout the season, and families are encouraged to sign up early for positions that best fit their interests and availability.

Families who meet or exceed the volunteer participation expectation may be eligible for prizes!!! (details will be announced later in the season).

Here is a quick description of the volunteer opportunities waiting for you:

Timer: Assigned 1 lane. Time every race that occurs in your lane. Record these times on a sheet. There are always at least 2 timers in each lane.

Backup Timer: Time every race, but only needed if someone calls for backup timer. You are a safety net timer :-)

Ribbons: Once events are finalized in Swimtopia, Labels are printed and then placed on the ribbons for each swimmer for top finishes

Runner: Collect the 2 Across the Board sheets and 6 time cards (one from each lane) for the HEAT 1 RACE of every event and bring them to the recording table. There are 2 runners.

Scorer: Work with the Across the Board sheets and timer sheets to keep track of points and record the score of the meet. Input information in SwimTopia to finalize times and the meet!

Hospitality: Hand out bottles of water to volunteers and officials

Marshaller: Help bring the younger swimmers from the team area to the lanes for their events.

Event Writer: Write the current event and heat number on our dry erase Board to help parents can keep track of the meet and don't miss their kiddos swims!

Arrive Early 

Please plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before the designated arrival time. Arriving early allows swimmers to check in, find their teammates, and prepare for warm-ups without feeling rushed. Swimmers who arrive after the designated arrival time may be scratched from events, as coaches must finalize entries and relay lineups before the meet begins.

RSVP to Meets

Meet invitations and attendance requests are managed through SwimTopia throughout the season. Families should respond by the stated deadline, even if their swimmer cannot attend. Timely responses help coaches finalize event entries, relays, and meet lineups.

Communicate Absences and Early Departures

If a swimmer will miss a meet, arrive late, or leave early, families should notify the coaching staff as soon as possible. This communication is especially important for relay planning and meet preparation.

Coach Availability During Meets

During competition, coaches are focused on swimmer preparation, event management, and relay coordination.

Non-urgent questions should be addressed before or after the swim meet whenever possible.

Stay Until the End of the Meet 

Whenever possible, swimmers are expected to remain at the meet until all events have concluded. 

Staying until the end helps coaches manage relay lineups, supports teammates competing later in the meet, and demonstrates good sportsmanship toward the opposing team. It also allows swimmers to participate in post-meet traditions, such as team cheers and congratulating fellow competitors.

If your swimmer must leave early, please notify the coaching staff as soon as possible so meet entries and relays can be adjusted accordingly.

A positive meet environment helps every swimmer perform their best and enjoy the experience. We ask all swimmers and families to help create an atmosphere of respect, encouragement, and sportsmanship.

Cheer For, Never Against

We encourage swimmers and families to celebrate great performances from all athletes. Cheer enthusiastically for your team and show respect to competitors, officials, and volunteers.

Respect Pool Deck Boundaries

For safety reasons, only coaches, officials, and authorized volunteers are permitted on the pool deck unless otherwise instructed.

Support All Swimmers

Every swimmer progresses at their own pace. Celebrate effort, improvement, and personal achievements, regardless of place or finish.

Follow Photography and Recording Guidelines

Please comply with all facility and team policies regarding photography and recording. Recording from restricted areas, including behind the starting blocks, is prohibited.

Demonstrate Good Sportsmanship

Good sportsmanship extends beyond the races themselves. We encourage swimmers to congratulate competitors, acknowledge good races, and participate in post-meet traditions such as cheering for the other team.

We expect all swimmers to show respect for competitors, officials, coaches, and teammates throughout the entire competition.

Represent the Team with Pride

Swimmers and families are ambassadors for the team. We expect everyone to demonstrate respect, integrity, kindness, and good sportsmanship both in and out of the pool.

We recommend bringing:

• Team swimsuit
• Goggles (plus a backup pair if possible)
• Team swim cap
• Towel(s)
• Water bottle
• Healthy snacks
• Sunscreen (for outdoor meets)
• Folding chair or blanket for families
• Extra clothes for cooler weather

Labeling personal belongings is encouraged, as many items look similar and can easily be misplaced.