Swim Meet 101
Wondering what a swim meet is like? Read on for some helpful tips and information.
Swim Meets
The Piranhas participate in two swim leagues which each offer a weekly swim meet.
- NVSL "A" Meet: This meet takes place on Saturday mornings during the swim season. Meets can be held at our pool or at the competitor's pool. Competition in an "A" meet includes those swim teams in our NVSL division and points are awarded to swimmers who place in the top 3 of their event. The points contribute to the team total which will decide the winner of that specific meet. Because this is a competitive meet, the Piranhas coach will decide which swimmers will participate and which strokes a swimmer will swim. The methodology for selecting swimmers includes review of a swimmer's ability, commitment in practice, individual swimmer times, and available swim times for the competitor. For more information on the NVSL league, visit their website www.mynvsl.com
- WFDL "B" Meet: The Piranhas also participate in the Western Fairfax Developmental League. "B" Meets are held on Monday nights throughout the swim season. This meet is more laid back that a competitive "A" meet. Swimmers are able to choose to participate and can choose what strokes they will swim. "B" meets are a great opportunity for swimmers to improve their swim times in particular strokes and for newer swimmers to become comfortable with how a swim meet operates. There are no points given in a "B" meet, but swimmers who have not finished in the top 3 at an "A" meet are eligible to place at a "B" meet.
How to be prepared for a swim meet
As with any sport, it is very important to be well fueled and well hydrated before you compete. On the day of the meet, focus on drinking plenty of water and eating lighter, healthy foods such as lean meat, fruits and vegetables. Bring water to the meet and hydrate regularly. Sometimes because a swimmer is in water, it can be harder to recognize dehydration.
Items to bring to a Meet
- At least one towel
- Goggles (and a spare if you have one)
- Piranhas swim cap
- Piranhas swim suit (or a plain black or purple suit)
- Healthy snack (save the snack bar sweets for after competition)
- Water, water and more water
- Camp chair (most pools do not provide chairs for the team area)
- Sunscreen, bug spray, hat
What is a swim meet like?
Firstly, a swim meet is so much fun! Who knew you could have so much fun on a Saturday morning in summer? When you arrive to the "A" or "B" meet, go directly to the team area and check in with the Team Area volunteer. It's very important that each swimmer stays in the team area for the duration of the meet. An NVSL meet starts Saturday morning with a warm up period for each team. The home team gets to hop in the water first to warm up, usually around 8 AM. The visiting team's warm up will follow at about 8:30. The same process occurs at WFDL meets, except on Monday evenings usually beginning around 5 pm. The National Anthem will play indicating the start of the meet.
Swimmers are taken to the clerk of course where volunteers will arrange them in event and lane order. Strokes are swum in the following order: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, relays (on Mondays, individual medley is swum in place of relays). The youngest age group, 8&u, will start each stroke with the boys competing first followed by the girls. Expect a lot of cheering from the team area! When a swimmer has completed his/her race, check in with Coach who will have a high-five waiting and may offer some helpful feedback.
Ribbons are not presented at the meets, but will be distributed in your team folder a day or two following the meet. Your team folder is located inside the pool house just inside the front door.
