Helpful Hints

BEFORE THE MEET STARTS
  • Arrive at the meet at least 20 minutes before warm-up begins.
  • Upon arrival, find the team and set up your area. Bring a blanket, sleeping bag, or extra towels to sit on. Leave all of your belongings there, but bring a pen or pencil with you when going to the Coach.
  • Find a SPA Coach and let them know you are there. This will help in making the Relay teams.
  • Find “CIRCLE IN” (Usually posted on a Wall) and find your name on each event entered in the meet for that day. Circle just your name not anyone else’s name. Circling in will help the meet staff know who is and who is not at the swim meet.
  • Once you have checked in, write each event number on your swimmer’s hand in ink. This will help them remember which events they are swimming.
  • Go back to your gear and get ready for warm-ups. Bring your cap and goggles, go to our assigned lanes, and wait for further instructions.
  • After warm-ups, the Coach will have a team meeting. All swimmers must attend the team meeting. At this time, relay teams will be announced and other important information will shared.
  • After meeting go back to the team sitting area and get ready for your first event.
  • Before and after every event, each swimmer is to report to a SPA Coach on deck. The Coach will go over any strategies before the event and after, they will discuss the swim.
  • No parents are allowed on deck at any time, unless they are timing.
  • Heat Sheets – You may purchase a Heat Sheet to help follow along with the meet and know when your swimmer is swimming. It will also have your swimmer’s time from the previous meet. If they have not swum in a meet yet, it will have NT, which stands for “No Time.” No Time swimmers usually swim in the first heats.
 
DURING THE MEET
  • Be aware of what event is in the water. Go to the Coach a few events before your swim and then go directly to your lane assignment.
  • Swim your event.
  • Ask the timer for your time.
  • Go back to the Coach and listen to the feedback from your swim.
  • Coach will tell you if you should warm down or not. Some pools have a warm down pool and some do not.
  • After your swimmer’s last swim, before leaving, check with your Coach and wait for their permission to leave.
 
 
WHAT TO TAKE TO A MEET
  • Most important: Swim suit and a SPA “S” swim cap and goggles if they use them. A Spa swim cap is mandatory for each swimmer. This will help the Coach’s watch your child’s swim.
  • Towels – Bring extra towels. They do get wet and your swimmer will need a dry one to dry off.
  • Something to sit on, blanket, sleeping bag, or a beach towel. Chairs are usually not permitted unless the team is sitting in a large area, like a gym or outside.
  • Bring something warm to wear when not swimming. Bring a parka, warm-up suit, socks, shoes, and a hat. If your head a feet are warm, your body will be warm. Most Natatoriums are very cold. 
  • Bring books and small games to play. You should not bring any expensive electronic games. Remember to label all of your belongings.
  • Food: Each swimmer can usually bring a small cooler. It is better to bring snacks. Most concession stands have junk food and Coach’s really frown on unhealthy food and treats. We suggest you bring water, fruit juice, or Gatorade to drink. Snacks we suggest Granola bars, Fun Fruits, yogurt, dry cereal, bagels and plain pasta. Come ready to have fun. Get to know your fellow teammates. You will even meet and become friends with other team’s swimmers. Bring your positive attitude and cheer for SPA.
Once you have attended a few meets, this will all become very familiar. Please do not hesitate to ask any SPA Coach or Parent for help.
 
Yours truly,
SPA Coaching Staff