Swim Meets
How Summer Swim Meets Work
Each swim meet is a competition between two teams. Swimmers compete by age group and stroke (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, individual medley, and relays). Coaches decide which events each swimmer will swim before the meet, and a heat sheet will be emailed so families can see the event lineup.
Events are always swum in the same order at every meet, starting with the youngest swimmers and ending with the oldest. For each age group, girls swim first and then boys. The typical order is:
- Medley Relays (all age groups)
- Freestyle
- Butterfly
- Backstroke
- Breaststroke
- Individual Medley (IM)
- Freestyle Relays (all age groups)
What does it mean to “swim for points”?
Summer league meets are scored, meaning swimmers can earn points for the team based on how they place in an event. In our league, the first heat of each event (e.g. the first race of 7-8 Girls Freestyle) is the scoring heat. Lanes 2–5 in the first heat are the swimmers competing for points, with two swimmers from each team entered. These swimmers will get ribbons for first through fourth place, even if other non-point swimmers are technically faster.
All additional heats are exhibition heats and swimmers earn exhibition ribbons. Exhibition swims do not score points, but they are still very important. These swims give athletes the chance to improve their times, try new events, and gain experience. Swimmers usually swim against others with similar times. Parents should focus on their swimmer’s progress over the course of the season rather than placement. You will be amazed at how much faster your child gets in one season!
Why your child may not be entered in every stroke
Coaches enter swimmers in events where they can safely and legally complete the stroke. If a swimmer cannot perform a stroke according to the rules, they may be disqualified (DQ’d).
A DQ (disqualification) means the swim does not count because the stroke was not done according to league rules. Common reasons for DQs include:
- Using the wrong kick in breaststroke
- Not touching the wall correctly on turns or finishes
- Rolling onto the stomach during backstroke
- Doing an illegal stroke during butterfly or IM
Coaches may choose not to enter a swimmer in a certain event until they can complete it without being disqualified.
Relays
When you sign up for a meet, it is important to let us know if your child will be unable to stay for a relay. Each relay has four swimmers, so one absence affects several athletes and the team score.
If your child is scheduled to swim in a relay, please plan to stay until the relay is finished. Relays are often near the end of the meet, and leaving early can mean the entire relay team cannot swim.
How long meets last
Most meets last about 3 but this can vary. Younger swimmers sometimes finish earlier, but not always, especially if they are swimming in relays.
What parents should do
- Check the heat sheet before the meet
- Make sure your swimmer arrives on time
- Plan to stay if your child is in a relay
- Focus on effort, improvement, and team spirit
Summer swim is about having fun, improving over the season, and supporting the team. Every swimmer plays an important role.
