Spartanburg Athletic Club

🏊 What New Families Should Know!

Welcome to the world of swim meets! Whether you’re a new swimmer or a first-time swim parent, here’s everything you need to feel confident and prepared.

✅ Swimmer & Volunteer Check-In

• Swimmers: Arrive 15–20 minutes before warm-ups. Check in with the coach to confirm you're present.
• Important: If you’re running late or need to scratch an event, communicate with the coach ASAP.

🧳 What to Bring to a Swim Meet

For Swimmers:

• Team suit, goggles (maybe an extra pair!), and team cap
• 2+ towels (They will get soaked quickly with how much we are in and out of the water)
• Warm layers (sweatshirt, parka, or blanket)
• Flip-flops or Crocs
• Water bottle/waters/ Sports drinks
• Snacks
• Quiet entertainment (book, cards, coloring, assume everything may get wet)
• Sharpie (to write events on arm!)

For Parents:

• Lawn chair or blanket (seating can be limited or uncomfortable)
• Snacks and water
• Cash (some meets have concessions)

🚫 What NOT to Bring:

• Expensive electronics or valuables (assume everything will end up wet) 
• Loud or disruptive toys
• Sugary or heavy snacks that may upset stomachs

🥨 Snack Suggestions

Swim meets are long and run through dinner time! Fueling smart is key. Try to eat a big lunch that day or a small early dinner prior to the meet. Your swimmer may get an upset stomach from eating and racing too closely together. 

Good choices:

• Fruit (bananas, apples, oranges, berries)
• Granola bars
• Trail mix
• Crackers, pretzels, dry cereal
• PB&J or deli sandwiches
• Yogurt tubes 
• Electrolyte drinks 
• Water, water, water!

🕒 Swim Meet Timeline

• Arrival Time: Usually 15 minutes before warm-ups (4:45 or 5pm depending on which warmup time we have)
• Warm-Ups: 30-60 minutes (before the meet starts, depending on if we have first or second warmup time) 
• Team Meeting/Pep talk: Coaches will gather all swimmers directly after warmups to give a quick pep-talk, give reminders and do a team cheer.
• Meet Start: 6:00PM (Events begin shortly after warm-ups end)
• Duration: Tuesday Night Meets can last 2–4 hours, depending on size, weather ect. If you need to leave early for any reason, please check in with Coaches before doing so. 
• Events: Swimmers may have lengthy breaks between events—please plan to remain on pool deck so coaches and rounders can find swimmers!
• Awards: Ribbons will be available at a later practice (Friday or Monday).

📝 Final Tips

• Write your swimmer’s Event, Heat, and Lane on their arm before warm-up (grid: E H L + stroke/distance).
• Tell swimmers to listen for their event announcements, remain in a consistent area and check in with a rounder or coach if they have any questions.
• Stay positive and flexible—swim meets can run behind or move quickly!
• Celebrate effort and sportsmanship over times or ribbons! This isn't the olympics. Our goal is that your child has fun and feels confident!