The Rockets

A Few Days Prior…

• confirm date, time, and location of meet
• find your child’s events and event numbers
• check arrival time sent out by the coaches

What to Pack For the Swimmer…

• team suit (if not put on before departure)
• team cap or one of choice (have an extra cap in case they do break occasionally!)
• goggles (extra pair if you have, in case they break)
• at least 2 towels
• warm clothes for between races (parka, sweats, warm socks, robe, pjs, hat, etc.)
• blankets
• flip-flops, crocs, or other water friendly shoes
• healthy snacks (separate announcement will be sent out on what to eat before/during/after a meet)
• water bottles
• electrolyte drink (Gatorade, electrolyte packets, Powerade, etc.)
• sharpies (for writing event info on arm and name on back)
• games or activities to keep kids occupied between races (such as coloring books, card games, etc.); reduce usage of headphones so swimmers can hear when they are being called for an event 
• sunscreen

What to Pack for the Parents…

• chairs, blankets
• pop-up tents
• Screenshot of event list
• snacks and drinks in a cooler
• small bills (for concession stands)
• sunscreen
• sunglasses/hats

Meet Day Before Departure to Event

• have swimmer eat a healthy breakfast
• make sure everything is in swim bag packed before departure
• plan to arrive 15+ minutes before start of warm-ups

Upon Arrival

• head to team area
• set up a place to sit
• use a sharpie to write events on swimmers hand (event number, event name, heat, lane)
• write your child's name on the back of their right shoulder with a black sharpie, along with the team name
• make sure swimmer is ready for warmups (suit on, cap on, goggles on)

What to Expect Come Meet Time

• pledge or national anthem to start after timer/officials meetings, coach meetings
• meets are crowded and loud; prepare your swimmer for this the best you can
• events can run ahead or behind schedule (parents or coaches will hunt kids down the best we can when needed to make sure they do not miss their event, but try to listen for event announcements to know when your swimmer is up next)
• respect all timers, officials, coaches, and other volunteers; it takes a lot of help to run a swim meet, appreciate them giving their time to give the kids a chance to compete
• plan bathroom and food breaks depending on how much time your child has until their next event
• stay hydrated throughout meet
• stay warm and dry between events

If Your Child Needs Scratched (Taken Out of An Event)

• tell the coaches immediately whether it is days prior to the event if able or the day of due to sickness, injury, or family emergency

Communicate With Your Swimmer(s)

• remind swimmers on how far they have come and to compete against themselves only
• encourage kids to not look in the lanes next to them to see where other swimmers are (this slows down their stroke)
• be supportive of swimmers when they have a great day or a day where they are disappointed with themselves; progress is not linear and navigating the ups and downs makes them a better swimmer

After the Meet

• have your child come give one of the coaches a fist bump before leaving
• make sure you have everything
• congratulate swimmers on their accomplishments