Swim meets can be a bit overwhelming for new families.  Please remember that it is well organized and lots of planning has been taking place behind the scenes!  

We do have normal practice times on days of meets. It is a good time for the coaches to go over the rules to make sure the swimmers are ready for the meet (i.e., relays, 2 hand touches, etc.). Please see below for important meet information.

All swimmers must RSVP for each swim meet. PLEASE REMEMBER— let your coaches know by Friday the week before if you will not be available to swim in the Tuesday meet. We understand that things happen, but it definitely adds to the chaos of the swim meet if our coaches and coordinators don’t have advance notice. So, please make sure that you have put in your RSVP at least FOUR DAYS before each meet. If your swimmer has not let us know their intentions by then, we will assume they are not swimming and will not place them in any events.

At each meet, there are 86 events and each swimmer is allowed to swim up to five events. The events and number of events your child swims will be decided by the coaches.

WHEN TO ARRIVE?

Home Meets: Swimmers need to arrive at 4:45PM.  Warm-ups begin at 5:00pm.

Away Meets: Swimmers need to arrive at 5:15PM.  Warm-ups begin at 5:30pm.

Meet Start Time: All meets start promptly at 6:00PM.

I'M HERE, NOW WHAT?

Swimmer Check-In: Look for the JAWS Check-In table upon arrival. There, your swimmer will check-in with the coaches and will receive their individual event cards for the meet. These cards are extremely important because they provide the Event Description (free style-Fr, backstroke-Bk, breaststroke-Br, butterfly-Fly or individual medley-IM) as well as the number of the Event, Heat and Lane (EHL) your swimmer will be competing. Sharpies will be available at check-in, and parents are responsible for writing the individual events on their child’s arm. An example of what this should look like is seen below. Junior Coaches will be around to assist. 

Also, first names & age should be written on the right shoulder of the swimmer’s back to help out our bullpen. PLEASE NOTE that sun screen applied before or after may smudge or erase the sharpie writing!  

We know it is sometimes hard to hear the announcers call for swimmers to lineup, so we ask that parents please make sure your children are lined up at least 4 events ahead.

Volunteer Check-In: Next, check in with Lane Friel (JAWS Volunteer Coordinator), who will provide any items you may need (clipboards, pens, timers, heat sheets, etc.) for your volunteer position. Lane works hard to place parents in the right volunteer roles to help our meets run more efficiently and effectively. If you have any questions about your volunteer position, please ask Lane at [email protected].

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Swimmers should wear their JAWS swim suits and team t-shirts to the meets.  No team logo (year round or high school swimming) on apparel is permitted.

Parents should dress comfortably.  It will be hot and there is a chance that you will get wet!

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Please put your swimmer's name on their items and bring the following to each meet:  

• Cap
• Goggles (It's a good idea to have a back up pair!)
• 2 Towels 
• Cash for Concessions
• Sunscreen
• Water Bottle
• Snacks if not using Concessions
• Folding Chairs (one for you and your swimmer(s))
• Rain Gear and Umbrella
• Bug Spray
• TEAM SPIRIT!  GO JAWS!!

Per County Policy, there is absolutely no alcohol allowed at swim team events.

HOW LONG DO MEETS LAST?

Meets typically last until 9:30 or 10:00pm.  However, there are several variables that might change this timeframe which include:  the number of swimmers participating, volunteers and weather!  Summer evening thunderstorms happen often in Georgia; therefore, we do ask for your patience during rain delays.  In the event of inclement weather, we will send out notifications via the SwimTopia Mobile App.

Swimmers 6 & under, only participate in freestyle and backstroke; therefore, they will be finished at Event 46.  These swimmers do NOT need to stay for the remainder of the meet.

THE MEET IS OVER, WHAT'S NEXT?

RIBBONS:  The day after the meet, ribbons will be provided to each swimmer (12 and under) during their normal practice times.  After ribbons are awarded by the coaches, each swimmer will receive a sweet treat.