Last updated on August 2nd, 2023 at 04:32 pm
Understanding why it’s important to host, or run, swim meets can help give both motivation and direction when challenges arise. Swimmers, parents and the meet host can all benefit from great meets.
Contents for Why Host or Run Swim Meets?
Swimmers need swim meets
Competitive swimmers need times to measure their personal progress and compete at higher level meets. At meets, swimmers not only get times, they also get
- To have fun!
- To compete, gauge progress, and gain meet experience
- Interaction with teammates and other swimmers
- Meet specific feedback from coaches
- Feedback from officials (Granted, this is usually in the form of disqualifications, but remember, no experience is wasted if we learn from it)
- The opportunity to learn a variety of life lessons, like the joy that comes from accomplishing goals after working hard and resilience in the face of adversity
Parents can benefit from swim meets
When parents attend meets they can get to know their swimmer’s teammates, other parents, and coaches. They also get to know the sport better. When they volunteer as meet workers they learn even more. Additionally, they set a good example for their child(ren) by ‘giving back.’ Volunteering also helps to keep costs down. What parent doesn’t want that?
Swim teams can benefit from running swim meets
Meet hosts, often swim teams, or Local Swim Committees (LSC’s), can also benefit from hosting, or running, swim meets. The primary aim of these organizations is to develop swimmers. Meets are mandatory to develop competitive swimmers. Hosting quality local meets increases team unity and participation. In addition to developing athletes, meets can also build skilled volunteers. Parent volunteering often begins with helping at a swim meet. When parents are more involved they become:
- More knowledgeable about the sport
- Better able to support their swimmer
- More capable as a volunteer
- Connected to other swim parents, and
- More invested in the organization
Meets can also generate funds for the meet host. In addition to charging fees, some hosts do meet related fund-raising too. Selling concessions, meals, apparel, or hosting a silent auction at the meet time are a few ways meet hosts can increase revenue. Although there are many costs associated with meets, if planned well, they can produce a positive cash flow.
Summary
Of course, the primary reason to host swim meets first and foremost is to help swimmers. All meet-related decisions should focus first on benefiting swimmers. However, experienced swim parents and teams can also benefit athletes. Well-planned and produced swim meets benefit all.
Preparing for a swim meet? Check out The Ultimate Swim Meet To-Do List. Then, get a bird’s eye view of Who does What at Swim Meets. Both include easy-to-follow links to related information. Doing a smaller, simpler meet? Host a High School or Developmental Swim Meet will help.
Need more help? See 20+ Ways to Get Swim Meet Timers and Officials: 20+ Ways to Get them for Swim Meets.
Also, discover a few things you can do to Increase Safety at Swim Meets. Find ideas to implement before your meet as well as last-minute quick and easy tips!