Swim Meets

Competition

What  is a Swim Meet?

Swim Meets are an opportunity for swimmers to measure their progress as they race against their own “personal best” times and other swimmers. Local Swim Meets are graded Level 1, 2 and 3. Swimmers start at Level 3 and strive to improve their times to qualify for entry to the next level. At the same time they may also qualify to attend Regional and National Meets (e.g. Auckland Champs, NZ Juniors, NZ Age Groups, NZ Division 2) and eventually International Competitions (e.g. Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games)

What happens at a meet?

Aim to arrive about 15 minutes before warm-up for stretching. Swimmers must sit with the club to foster team spirit as well as making the manager's and coach's jobs a lot easier. The coach and manager will make sure the swimmers get to their races on time. At some meets it is possible for parents to sit with the team.
All Swimming Clubs are required to help out at swim meets to ensure everything runs efficiently and accurate records are kept. Parents/caregivers may be asked to help out with time keeping or managing swimmers. These tasks are not difficult and training will be given at the time. Help from parents is essential and is greatly appreciated.
If you are not needed to help out please stay and watch the racing with the other club parents and cheer for our swimmers.

What do I take to swim meets?

Swimmers:                                                                  Parents:
SNZ Swimmer ID pass                                                  A highlighter pen for marking programme.

Competition togs, towels                                               A loud voice for cheering on our swimmers.
Goggles (plus a spare in case they break)                    
Club swimming cap
Uniform (T-Shirt and Track suit)
Water bottle and snacks

What should a swimmer eat before/during a meet?

Before the meet swimmers need a good carbohydrate meal that is low in fat (e.g. yoghurt and cereal, cereal and light blue milk, porridge, toast and honey, banana etc).This should be eaten about 2-3 hours before racing. During the race meet swimmers should eat small amounts of good snack food (e.g. banana, muesli bars, bread rolls, iced or fruit buns and small amounts of jelly beans). It is important that swimmers remain hydrated throughout the meet.