Millstadt Dolphins

Check out some tips and tricks for our new team members!

New to swim and not sure what to expect? You're in the right place. In addition to some SWIM 101 basics for our team, we hope you find some of the additional links useful to get your feet wet in the swim world.  

• Swimmer check in procedure
  • Swimmer's should check in with their coach upon arrival at each meet. 
  • Each pool will have a designated bull pen area that swimmer must stay in. 
  • Writing the swimmer's races, lanes, and heats on their arm or leg will help them remember when they need to be ready to swim
• Volunteer check in procedure
  • At least one Board member will be present at every meet. Please check in with a Board member and sign the volunteer form for that meet. 
  • Training will be provided for certain roles
• What to bring (and what not to bring)
  • Goggles, Towel, Bag
    It is great to have a pair or two of anti-fog goggles, (nice if you have two so that if one breaks right before a race they can change) caps are encouraged (we do have a team cap that will be available for purchase), two towels is recommended, a bag to keep all your belongings together! (Helpful to have your child’s initials on all their items. 
• Snack suggestions
  • Bring a bottle of water! Many of our meets are very hot and we want our swimmers to stay hydrated
  • Fruit is always a great option
  • Most swim meets will have concessions but it's not guaranteed so come prepared
• Timeline, etc.
  • Swim meets are several hours long with lots of down time for the swimmers between races so be prepared
  • Clean up after yourself! Please do not leave trash in the bull pen or viewing areas of the meets.
• Scoring
  • Each event in a meet has 11pts total available
    • First place = 5pts
    • Second place = 3pts
    • Third place = 2pts
    • Fourth place = 1pt
    • Fifth place = 0 pts
    • Sixth place = 0 pts
  • All other swimmers in an event are swimming exhibition which does not count for points or a placement. They are swimming to get or improve a time
    • When heat sheets are sent out, you can tell whether your swimmer is swimming for pts or exhibition by looking for an "X" next to their time for a race. An "X" indicates exhibition 
• Other useful links:
  • Rules & Policies (usaswimming.org)