Preparing Your Swimmer for Their First Meet

Is your swimmer ready for their first meet? Here are answers to some common questions we receive about meets: 

 

How do I prepare my swimmer for a meet?

Pack all your swimmer's gear ahead of time and double-check the bag before leaving the house.

Essential items include: 

  • Suit (solid navy or team suit if available) 
  • Team cap 
  • Goggles (2 pairs) 
  • Towels (2) 
  • Socks, shoes or sandals 
  • Healthy snacks (avoid candy or chips) 
  • Water! 
  • Consider bringing waterproof games for the kids to play during downtime. Swimmers don’t need their equipment bags (no kickboards or fins).

 

When do we arrive?

Coaches will share the warm-up times for each session by email during meet week. Arrive 15 minutes early for warm-ups to help your swimmer adjust, find friends, and get last-minute instructions. Never skip warm-up! It helps swimmers get moving, feel comfortable, and settle in. A first meet can be overwhelming, so early arrival is key to a smoother experience.

 

Where does my swimmer go when they arrive?

The team will have a designated area on the deck. Send your swimmer there to join their coaches and teammates. Parents are not allowed on the deck (per USA Swimming and insurance rules) unless volunteering. We encourage swimmers to build independence and bond with their coaches and teammates. The best part of the day is connecting with the team!

 

How will my swimmer know when to swim their events?

Make sure to print the meet program (emailed or attached to the event in SportsEngine) to see when your swimmer’s events are scheduled and their heat and lane assignments. Many parents print two copies—one for themselves and one for their swimmer. Highlight your swimmer’s name and events. Coaches will post heat sheets and will call swimmers to the starting blocks a few heats ahead of time. You can also write the event number, heat, and lane on your swimmer's arm with a sharpie to help them stay on track. The scoreboard usually displays the current event and heat. Apps like Meet Mobile and SportsEngine are helpful for tracking events and results.

 

Can my swimmer sit with me?

Swimmers should stay on the deck but can check in with you after each race, once they’ve spoken with the coaches for feedback. They’ll likely want to hear positive words from you before returning to the team. Swimmers should not sit in the stands.

 

What should my swimmer bring to the meet?

  • Two towels (they’ll want a dry one for the end of the day) 
  • Team suit, cap, goggles (bring a spare pair) 
  • Warm clothes, socks, shoes, or sandals (to stay warm) 
  • Healthy snacks (fruit, nuts, whole grain items, crackers, water) – no candy, chips, or soda 
  • Interactive games (no electronics or phones, please)

 

When can my swimmer leave the meet?

Once your swimmer has completed all their races, they may leave. Be sure they’ve checked in with the coach before leaving.

 

What are the expectations for parents and swimmers?

Coaches encourage swimmers to approach competition with courage and gratitude. Meets are great experiences, and no pressure should be placed on swimmers to meet specific expectations. We aim for a fun first experience, where things may go well or not, but that’s all part of the learning process.

Avoid offering extra advice or tips - your swimmer has already received coaching, and additional suggestions could increase their nerves.

Never compare your swimmer to others! Each swimmer should focus on doing their best, not on how others are performing. Friendly competition and good sportsmanship should be the goal, with teammates, even from other teams, considered friends.

Enjoy the races—some may be exciting, others challenging. These are all valuable learning experiences. Your swimmer’s worth is not defined by race results.

Maintain a positive attitude about your swimmer, the coaches, and all other swimmers and parents. Remember, electronic games can distract swimmers and make it harder for them to refocus. We encourage swimmers to interact with teammates and build friendships—our small team benefits from strong camaraderie.

First meets can be nerve-wracking, but that’s completely normal! Feel free to ask the coaches any questions beforehand—we want to ensure your swimmer has the best possible experience.

 

Good luck, and shine bright, North Stars!