Swim Meet 101
WARM-UP and SWIM MEET
Warm-Up time for HOME Meets is 5 p.m. Warm-Up time for AWAY meets is 5:30 p.m. Please be ready to enter the pool at the designated time. Swim Meets begin promptly at 6 p.m.
A volunteer meeting (timers, Stroke and Turn, runners) is scheduled for 5:40 p.m. on the deck of each meet.
Younger swimmers sit with their age group and are supervised by a KID PUSHER. The kid pusher is responsible for getting the swimmer to the Clerk of Course. The Clerk of Course ensures that swimmers are in the correct lane for each heat/race.
Each swimmer is assigned a swim number (same as last year for returning swimmers). The swimmer initials and swim number will be written on the swimmer's arm prior to or during check-in. The initials are written above the swim number. The swim number does not change.
EVENTS
The three fastest available swimmers will swim in each main heat.
Swimmers 6 and UNDER may swim in up to 2 main events and up to 2 relays. 6 and UNDER do not swim Butterfly. Swimmers may swim a 3rd individual event as an EXH swimmer but the EXH does not count toward scoring.
Swimmers age 7 and UP may swim in up to 3 main events and up to 2 relays. Swimmers may swim in a 4th individual event as an EXH swimmer but does not count toward scoring.
A typical meet order includes Medley Relays, Freestyle Individual, Backstroke Individual, Breaststroke Individual, Butterfly Individual (no 6 & under), and Freestyle Relays.
Ribbons are awarded to Main Event swimmers (typically 1st-6th). Participation ribbons are provided to the HEAT WINNER of heats AFTER the Main Event.
SCORING
Only the main event is scored and earns points toward winning a meet. Scoring for all events except relays are as follows:
First Place 5 points
Second Place 3 points
Third Place 1 point
Only the first place relay team earns points. The winning team earns 5 points for their team.
In case of ties, the points are split between those tying. For example, a tie for first place in an individual event gives 4 points to each of the swimmers tying. A tie on a relay splits the points between the two relay teams who tie.
If a child is “DQ‘d” (disqualified) he/she will not receive a place ribbon. If a child false starts twice, he/she will not be allowed to swim that stroke.
RIBBONS
Main Event Ribbons are awarded as follows: First Place-Blue, Second Place-Red, Third Place-White, Fourth Place-Yellow, Fifth Place-Light Blue, and Sixth Place-Pink. Place ribbons can be picked-up at the pool usually two days after the meet.
HEAT 2+ WINNERS: Ribbons will only be given to swimmers 10 and under.
SWIMMER TIMES
You can review your child’s times on the swim team website. This will let you can see their improvements as the summer progresses. Improving individual times are as important as the place the child takes. Be sure to encourage your child about the positive points of his/her swimming, rather than dwelling on weaknesses.
PARENT/COACH RELAY
Exhibition Relay (200 Freestyle, 1 lap per person) between Breaststroke and Butterfly
RULES
Alcohol and tobacco are prohibited.
Want to know more - visit the 2026 TSA Rulebook.
Check the website frequently for team updates.
