Swim Meet Basics for Kids: What to Expect at Your First Meet

Your first swim meet is usually much more relaxed than people imagine. Even experienced swimmers often feel nervous before their first race, and that's completely normal. The day is a mix of waiting, warming up, racing, cheering for teammates, and learning how meets work.

Here's what you can generally expect:

Before the meet

• Arrive early, often 60–90 minutes before the first race starts.

• Find your team's seating area and set your bag down.

• Check in with your coach or team manager.

• Get changed into your racing suit if you're not already wearing it.

• Warm up in the pool when your coach tells you to.

  
  

During the meet

Each race is identified by an event number, with each event usually having multiple heats. The heats are usually seeded to have swimmers of a similar speed in races together - allows for really good racing. Listen for announcements or ask your coach / Team Manager when your event/heat are coming up.

Before each race:

1. Your coach / Team Manager will usually tell you when to report.

2. Go to the designated waiting area

3. You'll be assigned a lane.

4. You will be sent to the starting blocks usually when the current race is running

5. You will give your name to the official - they can then check you're in the correct race & lane.

6. Officials will call swimmers onto the starting blocks.

The race

1. Short whistles (usually several)

   Swimmers prepare behind the blocks.

2. One long whistle

   Freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke, Individual Medley - Swimmers step up onto the block

   Backstroke - Swimmers enter the water

3. Second long whistle (backstroke only)

   Swimmers immediately return to the wall and take their starting position with their feet against the wall

4. "Take your mark"

   Get into your starting position and remain completely still.

5. Starting signal (beep, horn, or gun)

   Dive in /Push off and race.

Swim your race, touch the wall at the finish. Stay in the water until the official says you may leave. Many meets do "over the top" starts, meaning the following swimmer will start and dive in "over the top" while the swimmer is still in the water, holding onto the lane rope. This allows for meets to run a lot faster than needing to get the swimmers of out of the pool every time before starting a new race. The exception to this is backstroke, where swimmers are always asked to clear the pool before the next race.

Between races

You'll likely have plenty of downtime. Many swimmers:

• Drink water.

• Eat light snacks (bananas, granola bars, pretzels, fruit).

• Stay warm with a hoodie or sweatpants.

• Chat with teammates.

• Listen to music or read.

• Watch other races.

After your race

• Check in with your coach. They'll often give you feedback on what went well and one thing to improve.

• Your time will be posted later, along with your place in the heat or event.

• If it's a prelims/finals meet (more common for older swimmers), you may qualify for a later final.

What to bring

• Swimsuit (plus a spare if you have one)

• Goggles (bring an extra pair if possible)

• Swim cap

• Towels (2–3 is helpful)

• Water bottle

• Healthy snacks (A lot! Mixture of protein and carbohydrates)

• Warm clothes (hoodie, sweatpants, crocs / flipflops / sliders)

• Sunscreen and hat if it's outdoors

Meet etiquette

• Cheer for your teammates.

• Listen to coaches, team managers and officials.

• Be respectful of other swimmers, regardless of how they finish.

If you're nervous

That's incredibly common. A few things that help:

• Focus on your own lane rather than everyone else.

• Think about one or two things you've practiced (for example, a strong streamline or smooth breathing).

• Remember that your first meet is mostly about learning the process. Your coach is usually much more interested in your effort and technique than your time.

The biggest surprise for most first-time swimmers is how much waiting there is. Bring something to do between races, stay hydrated, and keep an ear out for your event. Once you've done one meet, the next one usually feels much less intimidating.

After the meet

Celebrate effort first. Times improve with practice, and every meet teaches something new.

For further support for your swimmer when they're first competing, please look at this Journal:

US version: Click Here

UK version: Click Here