Swim Meet FAQ

*When registering for a swim meet, use the Commit Swimming WEB PAGE (on a web browser, like Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge etc.) instead of the App.  The Commit Swimming App does NOT have access to meet registration sign-ups.

How to Sign Up for Swim Meets (Commit Swimming)

• Where do I sign up?

  • On the Commit Swimming website (not the app). Log in → Team Portal → “Meets.”

• When are meets posted?

  • Typically ~1 month before the meet. Each meet page shows the team’s sign-up deadline and any entry limits.

• How do I enter my swimmer?

  • Open the meet → click Attend/Decline (or similar).

  • Toggle your swimmer to “Yes, attending.”

  • Select desired events. You’ll see age groups, session (AM/PM), and event limits.

  • Save/Submit. If there are enough swimmers for relays, your swimmer will be considered for a relay spot.
    
    

• Tips & norms

  • Choose 3–4 individual events per day (younger swimmers often do best with 2–3).

  • If unsure, type “Coach’s Choice” in a note—coaches will place appropriately.

  • Entries after the team deadline aren’t guaranteed and may incur fees (set by the host).
    
    

What to Bring (Checklist)

• Team suit, team cap, 2 pairs of goggles

• 2 towels, sandals/flip-flops, warm layers (hoodie/parka)

• Water bottle + simple snacks (fruit, granola, crackers; avoid heavy/sugary foods between events)

• Sharpie (write heat/lane on hand), highlighter (heat sheet), small folding chair/blanket

• Entertainment between events (book, cards, headphones)

• Optional: sunscreen, extra cap/goggles, light blanket for cold venues

• Parents: cash/card for admission/concessions; phone charger
  
  

Swim Meet Etiquette

Athletes

• Arrive on time for warm-ups; the BSPC Coaching Staff will send out arrival times prior to the meet.

• Listen for event calls; report to the clerk of course/marshaling early.

• Cheer teammates & be gracious to competitors.

• Tech-suit rules vary; generally 12&U tech suits are not allowed at many meets—check meet info.

• No profanity or horseplay on deck; keep pathways clear.
  
  

Heat Sheets & Seeding (How to Read Your Events)

• Heat sheet lists events in order with swimmer names, heats, and lanes.

• Seed times: your best prior time (or “NT” = no time).

• Circle seeding may put fastest swimmers across the last few heats.

• Heat sheets may be printed at the venue or digital (MeetMobile or host link).

• Last-minute changes happen; listen to announcements and coaches.
  
  

Scratches, No-Shows & Deck Entries

• Scratch = you withdraw from an event/session—ask a coach first.
  No-show = you miss your swim; at some meets this can lead to penalties (e.g., barred from next event or fines at championship meets).

• Deck entries (signing up at the meet) are sometimes allowed by the host with open lanes/extra fees; not guaranteed.

• When in doubt, communicate early—especially if leaving before relays.
  
  

Relays (How They’re Picked & How to Help the Team)

• Coaches set relay line-ups based on availability, recent times, stroke proficiency, and team needs.

• Alternates may be named; stay until coaches confirm no relay is pending.

• If you have a time your swimmer needs to leave the meet by, tell a coach before entries are finalized.

• Relay orders can change on deck—stay close during the final events of the session.
  
  

Results, DQs & Time Standards

• Unofficial results post during the meet (scoreboard/MeetMobile).

• Official results are finalized after the session and uploaded to SwimCloud and Commit Swimming.

• DQ (disqualification) = rule infraction; times don’t count, but it’s a learning moment.

• Time standards (A/BB/Champ cuts, etc.) will be listed in the meet info or team resources—ask a coach what your swimmer is targeting next.
  
  

Volunteer Roles (How Families Can Help)

• Timers: operate stopwatch/plunger; quick on-deck training provided.

• Officials: require certification—great way to learn the sport up close.

*Volunteering makes meets run smoothly and gives you an excellent view of your swimmer’s races.

Misc.

• Commit Swimming will have all of the information you need.

• Weather/Facility: Outdoor meets may pause for lightning; indoor venues can be cool—pack layers.

• Food: Follow facility rules; some prohibit outside food/coolers.

• Photos/Video: Allowed from stands where permitted; no behind-the-blocks photography.