Swim 101 - FAQ

Blocks = The raised starting platforms at the end of the pool that swimmers use to begin most races

Clerk of Course = A staging area used at some meets where swimmers are organized into the correct heats and lanes before their races.

Cool-down = Easy swimming after a race or wokout to help the body recover

DQ (Disqualification) = When an official determines that a swimmer did not follow a rule for the stroke, start, turn, or finish. The swimmer's time does not count for the race. DQs are a normal part of learning competitive swimming.

Event = a specific race in a meet (eg 50 Freestyle or 100 Backstroke)

Heat = One group of swimmers competing in an event at the same time. An event is divided into multiple heats when there are more swimmers than available lanes. 

Heat Sheet  = The meet's "program." It lists the events and shows which heat and lane each swimmer is assigned to, along with other information such as seed times. 

IM (Individual Medley) = A race in which one swimmer swims all 4 strokes in this order: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle.

Interval = The amount of time between the start of one repitition and the start of the next during a practice set. (eg. 10 x 50's on :45)

Lane = the assigned section of the pool in which a swimmer competes (generally labeled on the block at the end of the lanes and flags above the lanes).

LCM (Long Coursee Meters) = Swimming in a 50-meter pool. This is the pool length used in the Olympics. To practice for LCM, Shelbyville's pool adjusts so it's length is 25 meters.

Medley Relay - A relay in which four swimmers each swim a different stroke in this order: Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, Freestyle.

NT (No Time) = Indication on a heat sheet/psych sheet that a swimmer does not yet have an official entry time for an event

Official - A trained person who helps conduct the meet and makes sure competition rules are followed

PR/PB (Personal Record/Personal Best) - A swimmer's fastest recorded time in a particular event. 

Psych Sheet - A list of swimmers entered in each event, usually organized by seed time. Unlike a heat sheet, it generally does not yet show final heat and lane assignments.

Relay - A race completed by a team of swimmers, with each swimmer completing one portion of the race.

SCM (Short Course Meters) - Swimming in a 25-meter pool. Shelbyville's pool is this length May-July. 

SCY (Short Course Yards) - Swimming in a 25-yard pool, the format commonly used for school swiming and many competitions in the United States. Shelbyville's pool is this length September - May.

Seed Time - The time submitted when a swimmer is entered in an event. It is used to place swimmers into heats and lanes and is usually based on a previous performance (sometimes it's their PR for the season, year, or lifetime).

Set - A group of repetitions or swimming activities assigned by a coach during practice.

Split  - The time ofr one portion of a longer race. For example, a swimmer's 50-yard splits show how long each 50 took during a 200-yard race. '

Start - The beginning of a race. Depending on the event, swimmers beginn from the starting blocks, pool deck, or in the water. 

Strokes - The four competitive swimming strokes are freestyle (free), backstroke (back), breaststroke (breast), and butterfly (fly).

Timers - Volunteers stationed at the end of each lane who help record swimmers' race times. 

Touch - Contact with the wall during a turn or at the finish. Different strokes have specific rules about how the wall must be touched. (eg. two hand touch for butterfly and breaststroke)

Turn / Flip Turn - The technique a swimmer uses to change direction at the wall. A flip turn is the somersault-style turn commonly used in freestyle and backstroke. 

Warm-Up - Swimming before a practice or meet to prepare the body for harder swimming. Meet warm-ups also give swimmers a chance to become familiar with the competitive pool. 

What should my swimmer bring to practice?

At minimum: a swimsuit, goggles, and towel. Bonus points if they bring a swim cap and water bottle. All other equipment - kickboard, pull buoy, fins, etc - will be provided. 

Should my swimmer arrive already dressed to swim?

Yes, preferably! They will have access to the locker room, but it is generally easier if they already have their swimsuit on under their clothes so they are ready to go at the start of practice.

How early should swimmers arrive?

Plan to arrive early enough to undress (or change, if needed) and have goggles and cap ready to go before stretching begins rather than walking into the building at the start time of practice. 

Can parents watch practice?

Yes, of course! You're more than welcome in the bleachers on the southside of the pool. You're also welcome to drop your swimmer off and pick them up at the end time. SCAC practices are open for spectators. Middle School and High School practices are not. 

Why does practice sometimes look like swimmers are just waiting at the wall?

Swimmers may be receiving instructions checking intervals, resting for a prescribed amount of time, or waiting for their next send-off. Rest and timing are intentional parts of many swim sets. 

Why is my swimmer practicing strokes they don't compete in very often?

Developing all four strokes makes a stronger overall swimmer. Coaches may also be preparing swimmers for future events, IMs, relays, or different meet lineups

What if my child is struggling with a stroke or skill?

That's normal. Competitve swimming involves a lot of technique. Coaches work on starts, turns, finishes, breathing, body position, and stroke mechanics in addition to endurance and speed. All of those things are difficult individually, not to mention all at the same time. 

First Meet Tip for Swimmers:

Arrive on time, bring extra towels and googles, keep track of the current event, and check with coaches before leaving. You do not need to understand everything at your first meet - you'll catch on.

How early should we arrive for a meet?

Arrive by the time communicated by your coach, which will usually be well before the meet actually begins. Swimmers need time to find the team, get settled, change (if needed), and participates in warmups. 

What should my swimmer bring to a meet?

Bring a swimsuit, goggles (a backup pair is a great idea), swim cap if used, several towels, water, and any team gear. Warm clothes or a sweatshirt can be helpful between races. For longer meets, bring appropriate snacks as well. 

What should parents bring? 

Come prepared to be there awhile! Water, snacks, comfortable clothing, and something to occupy younger siblings can be helpful. Pool areas are often warm and humid, while other areas of the facility may be cooler. 

How do we know what events my swimmer is swimming?

Meet entries or a heat sheet will show your swimmer's events, heats, and lanes. Coaches will help swimmers learn how to keep track of when they need to race. 

How does my swimmer know when it's time to race? 

Events are run in numerical order. Swimmers should pay attention to which event is currently swimming and follow instructions from coaches, officials, or the clerk of course. New and younger swimmers will get better at following the meet as they gain experience. 

How long does a swim meet last?

It depends on the type of meet, number of teams, and number of swimmers. Some meets are relatively short, while larger meets can last several hours or be divided into sessions over multiple days. The coach will usually provide an estimated timeline when one is available. 

Why are we at the pool for hours when my child only swims a few races?

That's normal! Hundreds of individual races may take place during a meet. Your swimmer's events are spread throughout the meet, so there can be significant downtime between races. Swimmers from the 90's ate a lot of dry jello and learned/played a lot of card game during that downtime. Spectators had a lot of time to read. :) 

Can my swimmer leave after their last individual event? 

Always check with the heat sheet(s) and then the coach before leaving. Your swimmer could be needed for a relay or have another team responsibility later in the meet. 

What happens if my swimmer gets a DQ?

Don't panic. DQs happen, particularly while swimmers are learning. The coach can explain what happened and work with the swimmer to correct it at practice. Parents should allow the coach to handle questions about a DQ with meet officials.

Why is my swimmer competing in an event they don't normally swim?

Coaches choose meet entries for many reasons. They may want a swimmer to gain experience in a different event, establish a time, work toward a goal, or fill a need for the team or a relay.

Why isn't my swimmer always in a heat with swimmers their age?

Depending on the meet, heats may be organized by seed time rather than strictly by age. That means swimmers with similar entry times may race together even if they are different ages. 

How are meets scored?

In scored meets, swimmers and relays earn points for the team based on their finishing places. The exact number of places that score and the points awarded depend on the type of meet. 

Can parents go onto the pool deck or behind the starting blocks?

Competition areas are limited to swimmers, coaches, officials, volunteers, and other authorized personnel. 

Can I talk to my swimmer during the meet?

Usually, yes, when they are in an appropriate spectator/team area, but swimmers also need to stay with the team and listen for instructions. Before and after races, let the coaches do the coaching.

What if my swimmer misses their race?

Have your swimmer tell a coach immediately. Whether they can sitll swim the event depends on the meet and it's rules.

Can my child swim more than once in the same event?

Generally, swimmers have limits on how many individual events and relays they may enter. The exact limits depend on the type of meet. 

What are swimmers doing between races?

They may be cooling down/warming up in a designated area, cheering for teammates, talking with coaches, resting, eating, or drinking water. Swimmers should remain where coaches expect them to be so they don't miss an event. 

Should I talk to/text the coach right after my swimmer races?

During a meet, coaches are responsible for many swimmers and are watching races, giving feedback, and preparing athletes for upcoming events. Save non-urgent questions or longer conversations for a more appropriate time. 

Are parents expected to volunteer at meets?

Often, yes. Swim meets require a lot of people to run smoothly, including timers and other volunteers. Volunteer eeds vary by team and meet, and information will be shared when help is needed. 

What if we don't understand what's happening at our first meet?

Ask! Experienced swim parents are a great resource for questions like where to sit, how to follow the meet, or where to find information. It takes a few meets before everything starts to feel familiar.