Quick Dip: What Happens in the Marshalling Area?

A short read for the car journey

Category: Meet Preparation  | Read time: Under 2 minutes

The marshalling area is the place where swimmers are organised before their races. It helps the officials make sure the right swimmers reach the correct heats and lanes.

Your Team Manager will tell you when it is time to report. At Bluefins, Team Managers wear bright blue tops with Team Manager written on the back. Stay close enough to hear them and do not leave poolside without telling them.

When you reach the marshalling area, an official or volunteer may check your name, event, heat and lane. You may be asked to sit or stand in a numbered place while the races ahead of you take place.

Marshalling can work differently at each competition. Some meets use rows of chairs, some call swimmers by event and others ask swimmers to report directly to a waiting area near the blocks. Listen to the instructions given at that meet.

You might wait for several minutes, so stay calm and keep your cap and goggles with you. This is a good time to remember one simple part of your race plan. It is not the time to disappear, play around or distract other swimmers.

If you think you are in the wrong place or cannot hear your name, tell the marshalling official or a Team Manager. Asking calmly is better than guessing.

When your heat is ready, you will be shown towards the starting area. Follow the instructions and stay with your group until you reach your lane.

Ask a Team Manager: Where is the marshalling area and when should I report for my race?

Created by Basingstoke Bluefins Coaching Team