Quick Dip: What Should I Do When I Arrive at a Meet?

A short read for the car journey

Category: Meet Preparation  | Read time: Under 2 minutes

Every swimming venue is slightly different, but your first job is the same: find the Bluefins team and tell a Team Manager (TM) that you have arrived.

Bluefins TMs wear bright blue tops with “Team Manager” on the back, so they should be easy to spot.

Follow the instructions you were sent about arrival and warm-up times. Once you are with the team, get ready for warm-up and keep your cap, goggles and water bottle where you can find them.

Poolside space is usually very crowded, so bring only a small drawstring bag into the team area. Leave large training bags in the lockers or wherever your TM directs you.

Competition warm-ups can be busier than training. Listen carefully to your coaches and TMs, enter the water as instructed and be aware of the other swimmers in your lane.

After warm-up, dry yourself, put on your club clothing and return to the team area. Find out which event you are swimming first and listen for instructions about when you need to prepare or go to marshalling.

Stay with the team unless a coach or TM tells you otherwise. If you need the toilet or have to leave the team area, tell a TM before you go.

You do not need to remember every part of the competition by yourself. Coaches and TMs are there to guide you, but listening and knowing your first event will help you feel prepared.

Ask your coach: Where should I meet the team when I arrive at our next competition?

Created by Basingstoke Bluefins Coaching Team