Swimming 101

F. A. Q.’s

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions of swim team parents.  Not to worry if your question isn’t here, simply ask one of the members of our coaching staff!

1. My child has never swam on a competitive team before, how do I know we he is ready for swim meets?

Ask your child’s coach.  Being ready for competition is a very individual thing.  Some swimmers are more competitive by nature and will be ready very quickly, while others are more apprehensive about the pressure of performing in a large meet.  The number one concern of course, is that the child is physically strong enough and can perform the competitive strokes legally.  Don’t be too concerned if your child is not ready right away, he’ll let you know when it’s time.

2. What is a dual meet?

A dual meet is a competition between two teams.  Occasionally, to save on traveling, three teams will meet at one pool and compete against in other in the same format as a dual meet (called a tri-meet).  Coaches from each team put together a meet line-up that consists of the events each swimmer will swim and the children swim against members of both teams in their age group.  There are usually 84 events in a dual meet and they last about 3-4 hours.

3. What is an invitational?

An invitational is a large, sometimes, multi-day, meet.  Several teams from throughout the League will compete against each other at one time.  Swimmers are allowed to pick their own events for an invitational meet from the events offered by the host team.  Meet announcements are given to all swimmers who are eligible for the invitational in the Tarpons Mailboxes.  Swimmers must return the entry form with payment for individual events to the meet entries box  by the deadline to be entered in an invitational.

The YMCA competes in several different kinds of invitational meets.  Some require swimmers to be under a certain age (mini-meets), some require swimmers to either be faster than a certain qualifying time or to be slower than a cut-off time (developmental meets).  Swimmers are encouraged to attend as many invitational meets as possible to expand their competitive arena.

4. What is USA Swimming?

USA Swimming is a more competitive swimming arena.  Swimmers must register with USA Swimming in addition to the YMCA team registration.  The Tarpons travel to USA meets roughly once a month.  All USA meets follow the invitational format and typically draw a competitive field from a larger geographic area.  USA Swimming is included in the Tarpons  team registration.  These meets are  optional; however, it is strongly  encouraged for swimmers who wish to take advantage of more opportunities for competition. 

5. How do I sign-up for a dual meet?

Swimmers are assumed to be in attendance at a dual meet unless Coach Angela is notified.  Swimmers can be signed out in the Meet book at the Member Service desk up to the Tuesday before a meet. 

6. What happens if I can’t get to the YMCA to sign-out for a meet?

If you have forgotten to sign-up on the sheet or you can’t make it to the YMCA on time, you have two other options.  You can leave a voicemail message at the YMCA (610-444-9622  ext. 28) or you can email Coach Angela (apietraniello@ymcabv.org) by the deadline.  Please do not leave messages with other coaches or parents.  The voicemail on extension 28  and Coach Angela’s email is checked before completing every line-up, if the coaches do not receive a message in either of those places, then the swimmer will be included in the line-up. 

7. What if I can’t make the meet and I didn’t sign out?

Let Coach Angela know ASAP.  You can leave a message on the Tarpons voicemail (610-444-9622  ext. 28) or email coach Angela (apietraniello@ymcabwv.org).  It is very important that Coach Angela know as soon as possible so that adjustments can be made to the line-up if possible. 

8. What should I bring to a meet?

Mandatory:            Team Suit, Team Cap (an extra one just in case), Goggles (an extra pair just in case), Towels (at least 2 per swimmer- many YMCA’s DO NOT provide towels)

Optional:   Warm t-shirt/sweat pants for swimmer to wear between events, Healthy snack and drink or money for snack bar, Playing cards or a book to occupy time between events

9. Will there be food available at the meets? 

We run a snack bar at all of our home meets.  Some teams do not.  The money raised at snack bars helps run each team.  The league requires that the host team provide a snack and drink for free to each swimmer at the end of the meet.  This usually is a hot dog, sandwich, pretzel or bagel and lemonade. 

10. What do I do if I signed up to volunteer at a meet? 

Pay attention to the meet organizers.  About 20 minutes before the meet, the referee or some other representative of the pool will gather everyone who will be timing and place judging.  He/she will pass out stop watches (no need to bring your own) and explain how to time.  He/she will also run through a test of the watches.  If you are going to be timing, make sure you attend this meeting.

11. How do I get information about team events, meets, etc?

The Tarpons give out information in a variety of ways.  All team events, meet announcements and meet results are posted on the Tarpons Bulletin Board.  All announcements and information is also copied and placed in the swimmers’ mailboxes (found in the Tarpons Mailbox on the mezzanine above the pool).  Finally, any information that can be emailed is sent to the Tarpons email list.  Please send an email to Coach Angela (apietraniello@ymcabwv.org) to make sure you are included on the email list.

12. What is a team suit, and how do I get one?

Swimmers are encouraged but not required to wear a team suit at all competitions.  The Tarpons suit is black and blue.  We order our suits from Metro Swim Shop at the start of every season.  Metro Swim Shop will be scheduled for suit fittings here at the YMCA  to take orders and provide suits to try-on.  You can also order team warm-ups, bags and other items from Metro Swim Shop that night. 

Please remember that team suits should be worn for competition only and not to practice.  Also, racing suits should be ordered small so as to reduce drag and provide the most streamlined body possible (in other words, they should not be comfortable).

13. What does each swimmer need for practice?

For daily practices, each swimmer should wear a practice suit (preferably one that has secure straps or ties), a swim cap for longer hair and goggles.  Caps are required for swimmers with longer hair and strongly recommended for all swimmers.  Goggles are also required, as it is near impossible to perfect head and body position without goggles on.  Swimmers should also bring a towel and a water bottle to prevent dehydration (you may not feel it, but your body does sweat even in the pool)!

If you have any other questions or need more information, please contact Coach Angela or David Dill.

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