O'Fallon Torpedoes Swim Team

How Swim Meets Run (Generally)

To prevent mass confusion, promote equitable competition, and cut down the run time of the swim meet, swimmers are assigned a heat and lane in which to swim every race.

• EVENTS: The meet will run each event in the order listed in the meet announcement or meet program. The Girls 50 Freestyle is an example of an event. There are approximately 110 events in the meet schedule for the St. Charles Summer Swim League, although not all of the events will take place.
• HEATS: A heat is one race. Every event will run the number of heats needed for all the entered athletes to swim. An event will have one or more heats. Typically, there is one athlete per pool lane. Some heats may not fill all the lanes.
• LANES: Each pool lane has a number. Often the number is located on the block somewhere, but you may need to look around. If needed, ask. It’s important to know how the lanes are numbered. Some pools may start numbering on a different side than your practice pool.
• MEET START: Swim meets usually start within 5-15 minutes after the warm-up period ends.
  • Since the break between warm-ups at the start of the meet varies, if you are in an early event, it’s best to be ready to compete before the end of warm-ups. This means heading to the bullpen when called over the announcement system.

Get Event, Heat, and Lane Information when available

Parents: Get heat and lane information for your young swimmer(s). This can be found on the Swimtopia app before every meet. NOTE: This information can change due to unexpected absences, especially the relay events.

It helps some swimmers to write their event, heat, and lane numbers on their hand or arm with a Sharpie pen. (See example at link above) NOTE: Although we work hard to avoid it, this information can change up until the start of the meet due to unexpected absences, especially the relay events. Therefore it is advisable to not perform this step too early - this step is sometimes saved until after swimmers finish warmups.

TIP: If the heat and lane information is not yet available 10 minutes or less from the start time and your child is in the first or second event, check with your coach. It may be wise to position the child close to the start end of the pool.

ASK FOR HELP IF YOU NEED IT, especially from experienced team parents and swimmers. All had their first swim meet too!

Report to Bullpen Ready and On-Time Before Each Race

Unless told otherwise, swimmers are responsible for getting to their events on time. The length of the previous races will influence when the swimmer should arrive. The time can go fast! 

• Our league will have athletes report to a bullpen area instead of the start end of the pool. They need to get to the bullpen ready to swim with a cap and goggles when announced. There, volunteers line them up according to heat and lane. At the appropriate time, a bullpen worker will lead the heat of swimmers to the start end of the pool and set each swimmer at the appropriate lane.
• Parents of young swimmers need to help them determine when they need to be in the bullpen and may need to escort them there.
• Timers should check with each swimmer every heat to make sure they are in the correct lane and heat.
• Older swimmers may also proactively check with the timers in their lane to make sure they're in the right lane and next heat. Don’t wait until the end of the race before you as the timers will be busy then.

Watch for your swimmer's event and cheer them on!

• Swim meets are boisterous affairs!  As long as the starter or announcer isn't talking, cheer on your swimmers!