SWIM MEETS

FOR PARENTS

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AS A PARENT

Parents are a crucial part of youth swim meets in Vancouver. The bulk of the event is run by parent volunteers, from deck officials to food prep—swim meets wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for parent participation!


Even if you aren’t a member of the swim club that’s hosting the event, every parent has a list of responsibilities to help their child(ren) have the best experience possible. If you’re new to competitive swimming, please ensure that you fully read this page.

SETTING EXPECTATIONS

Swim meets can be long and arduous. This can be a result of a large number of swimmers attending, but more often it’s due to an accumulation of timing delays such as attendees being late to their race or shift on deck (or missing it altogether, stalling the race). Being well prepared and organized for the meet makes for a more enjoyable experience for all.

If you’re new to swim meets, other Super Shark parents are here to help—just ask!

 

PARENT TIPS FOR SWIM MEETS

  • Help your swimmer pack the night before - see the list of items under “Packing List” below.

  • food and drinks to fuel your family throughout the day. Most meets offer a food concession, but the food selection varies—it’s safer to come prepared.

  • goes to bed early the night before and is well rested.

  • at the meet - even 5 minutes before works. Sometimes parking is challenging.

  • drop your swimmer off and leave for the day. You are responsible for your child(ren) in case they are injured, become sick or otherissues. If you have an emergency or a last-minute work shift, contact another swim parent or the Club as soon as possible to designate an adult to be responsible for your child.

  • Help your swimmer understand what races they’re in and the timing. The coaches will also review this, but it’s definitely important to have parent support as you’ll be keeping track of when each race is happening.

  • Help your child be ready for their race and get to marshalling (where they get organized into heats for each race) on time. Also, make sure you don’t miss your own volunteer shift(s)!

  • drinking enough fluids, eating healthy foods, and staying out of the sun between races. It’s easy for younger kids to get distracted when socializing with teammates between races and forget to eat or drink. 

  • your area at the end of the meet. Please dispose of garbage and ensure your kids have all their belongings (check names inside team sweatshirts). 

PARENT PACKING LIST

This is a slightly different list from what swimmers need to bring. Please see the FAQS for a more extensive swimmer packing list.

  • • Folding chair

    • Cooler bag with food and drinks

    • Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen

    • Flip-flops or slides for the pool deck

  • • Shelter - canopy or small tent for weather protection*

    • Tarp - for ground cover or rain protection

    • Blanket

    • Wagon for transporting gear - parking may be a distance from the site

    • Reading material

    • Cooking stove or BBQ - this is not allowed at all meets, check the meet notes or ask

*Most swim meets have a designated area to set up shelters either in a parking lot or on grass. Don’t worry if you don’t own one, our Club has green Super Shark canopies for the team, or ask to join another parent under their canopy. We aim to set up together as a Club.

Small tents are great to have to take a break from the busy swim meet, and some (especially teens) like to power nap between races. 

VOLUNTEER SHIFTS

Each swim club is assigned a certain number of volunteer shifts and positions which must be filled for the event to run. Our Club’s Volunteer Manager assigns these shifts to each family attending the meet.  

Typically over the course of a weekend, each family will be assigned one volunteer shift per child per day they’re attending the meet. For example if you have two children and are attending both Saturday and Sunday, you may be expected to fill four shifts.

You will be notified of your shift(s) a few days in advance of the meet. If you’re unable to make that shift, it’s your responsibility to swap with another Super Shark parent. Please email the parent group or post the request in the Super Sharks What’s App group. If you’re stuck, ask our Director of Volunteers for assistance.

CHANGING YOUR SHIFT

Please be on time to your assigned shift. Parents late to their shift hold up the meet for everyone. Each role is important in the smooth execution of the meet.

TYPICAL VOLUNTEER ROLES AT MEETS

  • The meet host club is responsible for food and drink on deck. This role includes food prep and serving to volunteers & coaches while working on deck.

  • There are usually 3 volunteers at each lane. Roles may include stopwatch timer, recording the time, and ‘plunger’.

  • Such as stroke and turn *must complete a course in advance.

  • Organizing swimmers into heats before their race at an entrance to the pool.

  • Organizing ribbons and/or medals for race winners.

  • Before or after a meet we may need to help with tents, tables, and tarps.

STROKE & TURN OFFICIATING

Stroke and Turn Officials are the volunteers standing at the edge of the pool in white shirts that get the best views of the races. This is a fun way to understand more about what your child is learning at swim club.

If you’re interested in becoming an official, please talk to a Super Sharks Board Member to learn more. It requires a short training course which usually runs in the spring in advance of race season. 

If you have a question about swim meets, please check our FAQS before contacting a Board Member or the Coaches.