A Guide for Webbs Tornadoes Families

Swim meets can feel overwhelming at first—for swimmers and parents alike! This guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and the key rules that keep things running smoothly.

1. Arrive Early

• Arrive at the start of the meet, not just at the start of warm-ups.
• Teams are assigned warm-up lanes, which can change at the last minute.
• Coaches must turn in attendance and scratches before warm-ups begin so heats are accurate and the meet runs on time.
• Relay teams and last-minute details are often set right after attendance is taken—don’t miss it!

2. Swimmers Own Their Races

• Swimmers are responsible for being behind the blocks at least 10 minutes before their race.
• Coaches will do their best to remind swimmers, but athletes should take pride in learning to manage their own events.

3. Learn the Flow of a Meet

• How to read event boards and time clocks
• Where the officials, judges, and timers sit
• How the warm-up pool and competition pool are different

4. Stay Organized

• Bring a Sharpie to write event numbers, heats, and lanes on your swimmer’s arm.
• Pack extra goggles and a cap—they’re the most commonly lost or broken items.

5. Parents Stay in the Stands

• Only USA Swimming–certified members are allowed on deck.
• Walk your swimmer to the entry doors, then cheer from the bleachers.
• Before the meet, agree on: where your swimmer will see you in the stands, where to meet after the meet or between sessions, and whether they’ll shower/change before leaving.

6. Suits & Gear

• Female suits must have a fixed back at all USA Swimming meets.
• Meets run rain or shine—the only exception is lightning, which causes a 15–30 minute delay.
• In cold weather, plan ahead: swimmers leave with wet hair and light clothes. Pack warm gear for the trip to the car.

7. Meet Sign-Ups

• Families are responsible for opting in to each meet.
• Coaches may guide event choices, but it’s a shared decision.
• More racing experience = more confident swimmers.

8. Food, Hydration & Downtime

• Meets involve lots of waiting—bring healthy snacks, water, books, or games.
• Coaches cannot share food or drinks from the coaches’ room with swimmers.

9. Deck Etiquette

• Shoes go under chairs, not scattered on deck (they’re a tripping hazard!).
• Swimmers should clean up after themselves—snacks, bottles, towels.
• Towels: one for staying warm on deck, another for after the shower.

10. Timers & Times

• Chairs behind the blocks are for timers only, not swimmers.
• If swimmers want to ask their time, they should do so politely right after their race, before the next one starts.
• Many meets require teams to provide timers. Parents of swimmers participating in meets are expected to volunteer for timer slots required by Webbs Tornadoes. Failure to do so may result in a fine to the team and will be shared with all participating swimmers. 

11. Disqualifications (DQs)

• DQ slips go straight from judges to coaches. Parents should not approach officials.
• Any DQ must be challenged within 15 minutes of the race.
• Most DQs stand, but they’re valuable learning opportunities—help your swimmer track what to improve at practice.

12. Travel & Coach Fees

• Coaches’ fees are shared equally among all swimmers registered for that day.
• Meets that are far away, have early start times or have a threat of inclement weather may require overnight stays for coaches.

13. Warm-Up & Competition Pools

• Competition pool: no dangling legs in the water between races.
• Warm-up pool: sit-and-slide entries only for safety.

14. Emotional Support

• Swim meets are exciting but can be emotional. Coaches will support swimmers through ups and downs, but we cannot “parent” them.
• If your child needs you during a meet, let them know when and how to find you in the stands.

Bottom line: Meets are a mix of independence, teamwork, and fun. The more swimmers learn the routines, the smoother things go for everyone