What to expect at a swim competition

Before the Gala

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Before a swim meet, help your swimmer prepare by focusing on rest, fuel, and mindset. A good night’s sleep is essential, balanced meals with carbohydrates and protein are also helpful in the lead up to competing (and generally part of a healthy varied diet).

 

Nerves are normal, for swimmers and parents! Helping a swimmer manage their mindset and nerves before a meet is all about building confidence and creating calm. You could start by encouraging positive self-talk, reminding them of their strengths, progress, and past successes. Swimmers may also just need you to listen so be guided by your swimmer and their individual needs. Preparation and organisation well ahead of time may also be helpful in reducing stress. You could consider using a diary to write down details of the meet, where you are going (leaving time, journey time etc), what races they are taking part in and start/finish times. This may reduce anxiety about the unknown.

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Things to know for spectators/parents/guardians

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Our Competitions Secretary will communicate arrival and warm up times ahead of the meet. Please note that a warm-up will take place before each session. Swimmers should arrive in time to participate in the correct warm-up prior to their races. Swimmers will then remain with the coaching team until the end of their event/s. Arrive in plenty of time as seating can be limited, be aware there is often an admission charge as a spectator. It can also be extremely warm as a spectator, so a fan/layering clothes so you can keep cool is helpful! Lots of drinks and snacks are also necessary for both spectators and swimmers.

 

What to bring

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• Two pairs of goggles

• Two hats (minimum one being a club hat but preferably both)

• Swim costume/shorts- x 2 sets

• Two towels (A thin one for poolside can be helpful for drying off between swims)

• Clothing to wear poolside between races- ideally team kit.

• Snacks

• Water/drinks

 

Most importantly, bringing a supportive attitude, cheering loudly for your teammates and building confidence and team spirit throughout the event.

 

Post swim

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The coaching team will offer swimmers feedback throughout each warm up/swim. Swim results will generally be uploaded to ‘Meet Mobile’ app, however there are some that use their own online systems for results. This will be communicated with those taking part if that is the case. Times for qualifying for County and Regionals are usually updated on the swim England South West site Home | Swim England South West. Medals are usually handed out between races once results are finalised.

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Once swimmers have finished their final swim of the day, they are welcome to leave, equally they are welcome to stay and cheer on their teammates. If a swimmer leaves after their final swim, they must ensure they communicate this with the coaching team as and inform them who is collecting them.

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After racing, swimmers should focus on recovery by refuelling with a balanced snack or meal that includes both carbohydrates and protein, to help replenish energy and repair muscles. Staying hydrated is essential, so encourage sipping water or an electrolyte (water is best!) drink throughout the meet and after races. Light movement such as walking, gentle stretching, or a cool-down swim helps reduce muscle stiffness and supports circulation, setting swimmers up for better performance in later events or the next day.