Frequently Asked Questions
Children are often nervous about their first swim meet, especially if they think there is pressure to win or have perfect strokes. Most kids just need a little encouragement and reassurance that it is okay to make mistakes and even come in last place. However, never force an unwilling child to compete. Always remember that children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, NOT for their parent's or coaches'.
Children can start competitive swimming as young as four years old. There is a six-and-under category just for them. Don't worry about age so much as whether your child seems happy and excited about trying our a swim meet. Their first competitive swimming experiences should be fun and low pressure.
If your child is new to swimming with little or no meet experience, than development meets are the way to go. These swim meets are fun and relaxed events where both swimmers and parents learn about the structure and routine of a swim meet. Specifically : the Marlins Red and Blue meet, the Marlins Development meet, and the Cruiser's B meet are all appropriate for new swimmers.
The coaches will take care of this for you. If you have any questions or concerns surrounding this issue, please feel free to speak with your child's coach.
The coaches would like to see each swimmer at as many swim meets as they are comfortable competing. Swim meets are non-compulsary, however, in order for a swimmer to compete in the Vancouver & District Regionals they must compete in at least one official meet during the course of the season.
No, you do not have to attend both days. Just make sure to specify ( Saturday or Sunday only ) beside your name on the sign-up sheet. Also, look out for one day meets like the Squamish A/B meet in June.
Your child should bring the following items: a team swim suit, team swim cap, goggles, two or more towels, a complete set of extra clothes, sunscreen, sun hat, healthy light snacks, a healthy lunch, toys and/or books a water bottle, wet weather gear, a sleeping bag (optional) and a small tent (optional).
No, parents do not have to be at the swim meet for the whole week-end. As long as you have a designated care-giver who agrees to be responsible for your child, you do not have to be there. At most meets the Marlins participating set up the team tents in what has become known as 'Marlinville', where swimmers and parents hang out between races. Car-pooling is also always an option during busy weekends.
You can look for more details in the swim meet infomation packages posted on the Marlins bulletin board. Important info will often be highlighted by the coaches.
Please inform your coach as soon as possible so he/she won't have to search for you at the swim meet. Your coach also has to cancel - 'scratch' - you from the events, and rearrange relay teams, so please be considerate and let them know about your change of plans.
Throughout the season all interested swimmers are welcome and encouraged to participate in club relays. However, at the Regional Championships, coaches will organize relays with the goal of qualifiying as many relay teams as possible for the Provincial Championships. After Regionals, relays will be rearranged so that we can send the "best possible teams" to Provincials. Therfore the four fastest swimmers will make up the "A" relay team and the next four fastest the "B" relay team and so on. Exceptions maybe made on the basis of attendance, attitude, effort etc.
The parents, care-giver, or the swimmer themselves must make sure to be at the marshalling area on time for each of their events. It is NOT the coaches responsibilty to get your child to marshalling for their events, however, they do wish for swimmers to visit them at the coaches table before and after their races to ensure the swimmers development.
