FAQ's

Below is some information for those new to the sport of swimming and the Clarinda Swim Team. Please use this as a guide to help make this swim season a success!

Meet Sign Up and Time Frame

How does a swimmer sign-up for a meet?

Coach Annie will have each individual sign-up electronically or by filling out a paper entry sheet. If a meet fee is required, the fee will be due at sign-up or the swimmer will not be allowed to swim. Sign-up deadlines will be announced on Facebook and are listed on the Meet Schedule sheet.

How many events can a swimmer participate in?

A swimmer can participate in three individual events and two relays. Coach Annie will place swimmers in relays at her discretion.

What is the time frame for a swim meet?

Summer Weekday Meet- Usually a dual meet that lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours, start times are usually 6:00 with warm-ups starting a half hour before the meet starts.

Summer Saturday Invite Meet- A meet that usually has 5+ teams that lasts about 4-5 hours, start times are usually 10am with warm-ups starting an hour before the meet starts.

Winter Meets- Are always on Saturdays, last 4-5 hours depending on how many teams/swimmers are swimming, warm-ups start an hour before the meet starts, and starting time is usually 10:00 am.

At the Meet

How will a swimmer know what events they are swimming?

Coach Annie will have a list with each swimmer’s events. The swimmer will write the event number and event name on their arm or leg with a Sharpie marker. They may also want to write the heat and lane number.

An example- Jane Doe is swimming event #9, 13-14 Girls 50 Freestyle. Jane would write, #9 50 Free. If the heat and lane numbers are given, Jane could write, #9 50 Free H4 L3

It is best for swimmers to arrive early to meets to provide enough time for each swimmer to get their events marked prior to warm-ups.

How will I know my swimmer’s time and/or placing for their events?

Swimmers may ask the timers for their unofficial time after their race to get an idea. At larger meets, results are sometimes posted at a main location throughout the meet. Coach will post the meet results on the Swim Team’s Website and FB page after the meet once it has been received by the host team.

When will my swimmer receive their awards for races?

Any ribbons, medals or trophies that a swimmer earns at a meet is collected by the Coach at the end of the meet and is brought back to the Clarinda Pool. All awards are then placed in each swimmer's respective Ribbon Folder located in the black rolling file cabinet located outside of the pool office. Swimmers will be able to pick up their awards at the next swim practice.

Meet Needs

What are the basic necessities a swimmer needs for a swim meet?

  • Team swimsuit (girls wear a fitted one piece and boys wear fitted trunks, color should be Red/Black)
  • Goggles
  • Swim cap
  • Sharpie marker
  • Towels
  • Sweatshirts, sweatpants, robes, blankets, warm-up jackets (to stay warm between events)
  • Sunblock (Summer Meets)
  • Extra swimsuit, goggles, caps (for accidental breaks, rips, etc)
  • Blanket to sit on at "camp" location
  • Snacks and Drinks (concessions are available at most meets)
  • Book, activities, etc to pass time between events

What items do parents need to bring to a meet?

  • Chairs or bleacher seats
  • Umbrellas or a canopy for shade (Summer meets)
  • Money
  • Food and plenty to drink in a cooler
  • Sunblock/Sunglasses (Summer meets)
  • Dress in layers for Winter Meets (indoor pools are very warm inside)