The Woodlands Marlins Swim Team

If you’re attending your first swim meet or your 100^th, it's helpful to be prepared. Here's a list of things to think about and remember:

Before the Meet:

• Review Team Communication: Make sure you know crucial information regarding meet locations, warm-up times, check-in procedures, and what to bring. Pay close attention to these details.
• Understand the Schedule: Swim meets start early and can run long. Be aware of the general timeline and plan your day accordingly.
• Pack the Essentials:
• Swimsuit (Team Suit ): Have your swimmer's arrive in their team suit, there aren’t always changing areas.
• Swim Cap: An essential for streamlining and keeping hair out of the way.
• Goggles (and an extra pair!): Goggles are crucial, and having a backup is a smart idea in case one breaks or gets lost.
• Towels (multiple): Swimmers will be in and out of the water, so bring at least two.
• Sunscreen/Bug Spray: Especially for outdoor meets in Texas heat. Apply sunscreen before arriving to allow it to soak in.
• Water Bottle & Healthy Snacks: Keep your swimmer hydrated and energized throughout the day. Concessions are often available, but having your own is wise.
• Sharpie Marker: For writing event numbers on your swimmer's arm (more on this below).
• Folding Chairs/Pop-up Tent/Blanket: Seating can be limited, and shade is essential for outdoor meets. We will have tents for swimmers but bring something for them to sit on.
• Entertainment for Swimmers: Books, cards, small games, or coloring books can help occupy time between races.
• Cash (small bills) or Credit Card: For concessions.
• Label Everything: Seriously, label all your child's belongings to prevent lost items.
• Prepare Your Swimmer:
• Good Rest and Meal: Ensure your swimmer gets a good night's sleep and a nutritious meal the night before.
• Talk to Them: Explain what to expect at the meet and encourage them to have fun and do their best.
• Volunteering: Swim meets rely heavily on parent volunteers. Familiarize yourself with volunteer opportunities and signup.

On Meet Day:

• Arrive Early: Arrive well before warm-ups to allow time for parking, setting up your spot, and checking in.
• Swimmer Check-in: Your swimmer must check in upon arrival. If they don't, they may be scratched from their events.
• Arm Marking: Use a black Sharpie to write your swimmer's first initial, last name, and event numbers (listed vertically) on their arm, just below the shoulder. Age group parents will often add heat and lane numbers later.
• Warm-ups are Mandatory: These are important for your swimmer to get mentally and physically ready, and to get a feel for the pool and starting blocks.
• Know Restricted Areas: Parents are generally not allowed on deck, in the ready bench area, or near the start/finish areas unless they are volunteering for a specific role. Respect these boundaries to ensure the meet runs smoothly.
• Age Group Parents: There will be age group parents who help gather swimmers and get them to the ready bench for their events. Ensure your child knows to report to them.
• Ready Bench: Swimmers will report to the ready bench when their event number is called. This is where they are organized by heat and lane.
• Listen for Announcements: Pay attention to the announcer for event calls and any important updates.
• Cheer for ALL Swimmers: Encourage good sportsmanship by cheering for all swimmers, regardless of their team.
• Understand DQs: If your swimmer gets disqualified (DQ), an official will try to explain why. This is a learning opportunity, and they should tell their coach so they can work on it in practice.
• Stay Until the End (if possible): Encourage your swimmer to stay and cheer for teammates, especially for relays at the end of the meet. If you must leave early, inform the age group parent and/or coach.
• Clean Up: Before leaving, tidy up your set-up area and dispose of all trash in designated bins.
• Post-Meet: After the meet, results will be posted. Talk to your child about their performance and offer positive feedback and encouragement. Allow time to unwind, as meets can be exhausting.
• Patience: Meet hosts, officials, coaches, and volunteers do everything they can to ensure the meet runs smoothly and quickly for our swimmers. Even with all that planning things can still go wrong. In the event the meet has a delay, please be patient and pay attention to any announcements.
• Have Fun: This is all for the kids! These will be some of their favorite summer memories as they get older and we should be doing our part to help them have a great experience.

Things to Avoid:

• Coaching from the Stands: Unless you are an official coach, refrain from coaching your child or other swimmers during the meet or practice.
• Questioning Officials: Do not question or confront officials during the meet. If you have concerns, address them with your coach at an agreed-upon time and place.
• Alcohol/Glass: These are always forbidden by NWAL rules.
• Excessive Electronics: Encourage your swimmer to interact with teammates and focus on their events rather than being glued to electronic devices.
• Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Always be a positive role model and show respect for all swimmers, coaches, officials, and spectators. Unsportsmanlike conduct by swimmers and/or parents may result in expulsion from the meet and removal from the Marlins swim team.

We have a few other tips on our Frequently Asked Questions page. 

SWIM FAST! GO MARLINS!