What to Expect at a Meet:

Swim meets are generally all-day events. Warm ups start a half hour before the meet begins, and are important to give swimmers the chance to get familiar with the pool, count the flags for backstroke, etc. Meets usually start around 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. Programs are sold which list the events your swimmer is entered to swim along with a schedule of the approximate time for the events. You can mark these numbers on your child's hand.

In a "cardless" meet, swimmers report directly to the assigned lane when their event is called "up." The heats and lanes for each event will be posted on a large board. Check this board so you are informed, as this is a more independently run system. It is up to you and your swimmer to make sure they don't miss their events. A cardless meet with a "master check-in" requires your swimmers to check in with the clerk the first thing in the morning or you will be scratched for the day.

In a "clerk of the course" or "carded" meet, swimmers report to the clerk when their event is called. The clerk will seat them in chairs, by heat, in preparation for their event. Parents are not always allowed in this area. This type of system is more supervised.

The Coach will be poolside all day to watch the events. Each swimmer should check in with their coach after their event so that the coach can provide feedback. If you or your swimmer disagrees with an official's call at the swim meet, always take your concerns to your Coach. DO NOT confront the officials.

Each lane has three timers and our team is usually responsible to time three chairs at most meets. It is expected that every family provide an adult to spend about one hour to time during every meet. You are timing poolside so wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Timing can be a little intimidating at first so training is provided. There is a schedule posted for each family to sign up to time each meet. When a family takes their turn timing, no one will have to work extra shifts. The meet host usually brings snacks and drinks to the timers.

What to Bring to a Meet:

The team has canopies that various families take turn setting up, but it is a good idea to bring your own canopy or shade if you can. Look for the swim team banner and other families when you arrive. We sit as a group so bring chairs, cards, games, books, magazines, snacks, etc. Some kids bring blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows to lie on. food and drinks are sold at all the meets, but you can bring your own ice chest of food. It is a long day, so have your swimmer be aware of their event times, and space out their eating so they aren't getting filled up right before their events. Recommended food for swimmers is fruit, light sandwiches, gatorade and lots of water. Discourage sodas and any heavy/hard to digest foods or full meals. See the list of recommended foods. Make sure your swimmer stays out of the sun as it can really zap their energy. Put sunscreen on them first thing in the morning and reapply it throughout the day. Restrooms are provided at each meet, however, these may be limited and may not be well stocked.

Note: Parents please do not let you swimmers wear a swim cap all day it is to hot.

Dietary Suggestions

Drink plenty of liquids all day, especially when it is hot.
(Allsport, Gatorade, Powerade and Water) NO SODAS.

If you are prone to cramps, drink lots of water and eat food that are high in potassium like Bananas.

Week Prior to Swim Meet

• Lots of fluids. NO SODAS.
• Lots of carbohydrates-pasta, whole grain cereals and breads, potatoes, etc. Stay away from fried food and sodas.
• Proteins - lean red meats, chicken, eggs, and fish. Stay away from fatty processed meats.
• Vegetables - fresh or frozen - green and yellow - served raw, steamed or microwave.
• Fruits - fresh fruit - bananas, cantaloupes, etc.
• Fruits - frozen - no sugar added. Stay away from canned and processed fruits with high sugar content.
• Dairy - low and nonfat milk, yogurts, and desserts.

Day Before the Meet

• Good breakfast - pancakes, french toast, whole grain cereal - syrup (easy to digest and quick energy). Stay away from heavy foods like bacon, ham, hash brown, and cereal with nuts.
• Fresh fruits - bananas, cantaloupes, and dried fruits.
• Energy bars - no nuts.
• Chocolate - no nuts - 30 minutes before race.
• Lots of fluids - Allsport, Gatorade, Powerade, and Water. NO SODAS.

After Meet

Go out and have a celebration dinner...swimmer's choice (even if it is McDonalds and Sodas!!!)

MEET SCHEDULE

Bakersfield United Swimming At BC  May 29-30, 2010--CANCELED

Wasco Meet on June 5, 2010

Wasco "B" Meet on June 8, 2009 

Shafter Invitational Meet on
June 12, 2010

AA "B" Meet on June 15, 2010

Lakeside @ Shafter on June 19, 2010 

Bakersfield United Swimming "B" June 22, 2010

RBG Meet on June 26, 2010

Shafter "B" Meet on June 29, 2010

Tehachapi Meet on July 6, 2010

AA Meet on July 9-10, 2010

Taft Meet on July 17, 2010

RBG "B" Meet on July 13, 2010

County Championships at Taft 
July 24, 2010

Rules

2008 US Swimming rules will apply.

Swimmers must compete in their age group based on age of their latest birthday.

Swimmers may enter a total of 3 individual events and 1 relay or 4
individual events and no relay.

One (1) false start disqualifies the swimmer from the event upon starter's discretion

All events are timed finals 

Entry 

Coaches must enter their athletes using the Hy-Tek program.

Entries must be submitted through coaches only. Late entries not accepted.

Swimmers may enter (3) individual events plus (1) relay or four individual events and no relay.