FAQ
How do I know my child's age group? What is the Age-Up date?
A swimmer's age on May 1st determines the age group for that season. So, for example, if a swimmer is 6 on May 1st, they will compete for that season in the 6&u age group. Even if the swimmer turns 7 during that season, they will remain in the 6 and under age group.
If my swimmer becomes ill or can no longer make the upcoming meet after I've registered him, who do I tell?
For a last-minute "heads up" email [email protected] to notify coaches, computer chairs and our age group coordinators. This is extremely important if your child has been placed in any of the early relays as it takes much thought & coordination to fill the relay positions. Thank you for your prompt notice if attendance is in question.
What should I bring to the meet?
PARENTS/SPECTATORS:
- Sunglasses & hat/visor
- Sunscreen
- Sharpie pen to mark your swimmer
- Chair
- Pop-up tent, if you have one
- Cooler with food & drink
- Money to buy food & drink (there with be a lot of great options)
- Heat Sheets (print at home)
- Highlighter to mark your swimmer’s races on the heat sheet
- Zen Orca parent attitude
SWIMMERS:
- Goggles & team suit
- Team shirt & Orca cap
- Sweatshirt or warm-ups
- A few towels
- Extra towel or blanket to sit on
- Books, puzzles, cards, games or other things to do (no electronics!)
- Enthusiastic Orca attitude!
When should I arrive to the meet?
Arrival time varies depending on whether the meet is a home meet or an away meet. The home team always warms up before the visiting team. Meets usually begin at 8a and home meet arrival is usually 6:45a with visiting arrival usually 7a. Coach Sandy will send out a message before each meet telling you when you need to be at the pool, so watch for that!
What do I do when I arrive to the meet?
Find your swimmer’s age group (they sit together with the age group parent) and park their gear (towel, goggles, cap, books, etc.). Help the age group parent to mark your swimmer’s arm with his/her event numbers, including heat and lane. Make sure you put on sunscreen at home (best strategy) and if possible, do not put sunscreen on event marking area. If you must put sunscreen on at meet do it after you mark your child
What is a Heat Sheet?
Once all swimmers from both teams have submitted their meet entries, a heat sheet (lineup of events & entrants) is generated by the meet management software & posted on our website. For each event (specific age group & stroke) there will be numerous heats (groupings of swimmers entered in that event). Heats are usually organized by entered time — slowest to fastest. Swimmers who have never swum the event will be entered in the first heats with "NT" (no time).
Helpful hint: Highlighting your child's name in the heat sheet ahead of time helps avoid missing their swim.
PRINT YOUR OWN — Heat sheets for upcoming meets are posted to the website when available. Remember to print out your own heat sheets – they will NOT be sold at the meet!
Where are my swimmer's times?
After you log in, select: "My Account" and click on your swimmer's name to see his best recorded times as well as times from every event swum during the season as well as past seasons.
How do I know if my child qualifies for Champs?
To qualify for Champs a swimmer must:
- Have a recorded time of 55 seconds or faster to enter a 25y event, regardless of stroke.
- Compete in at least TWO regular season NAAL dual meets and at those dual meets swim at least 2 individual events. A "DQ" counts as an event swum toward Champs eligibility.
- A swimmer must have a legal time in the event that they wish to enter at Champs. “NT's” will not be allowed.
- Intra-squad meets, time trials, and relays do not count.
Exception For Ages 6 and younger: A swimmer need only swim ONE individual event per 2 meets to be eligible to enter Champs. But all other eligibility requirements (above) apply.