Last updated on November 2nd, 2021 at 05:14 pm
Did you know a well-planned event list can help problem-solve common swim meet issues? It is very easy to create an event list without thinking how it will affect those at the meet. Of course, the primary concern is how the events, and their order, affect athletes. However, broader thinking may not only meet athlete needs but yield added benefits too. This post looks at a few common swim meet problems and how a well-planned event list can solve, or at least positively affect, them.
Contents for Problem-Solve with the Swim Meet Event List
Changes to the Event List Can Problem-Solve and Yield Results for Different Groups
Here are a few examples of how changes to a meet event list can help problem-solve and give different results.
Rest for Swimmers
For swimmers to do their best, it is important they have adequate rest between events. The number of attending swimmers will directly affect how quickly the meet moves from event to event. However, swim meet planners can make an event list that creates more space between events. One commonly seen technique is to offer events to different age groups and genders. For example:
- 8 and under 100 Individual Medley (Girls one event, boys another)
- 9-10 100 Individual Medley (Girls one event, boys another)
- 11-12 100 Individual Medley (Girls one event, boys another)
- 13-14 200 Individual Medley (Girls one event, boys another)
- 15 and over 200 Individual Medley (Girls one event, boys another)
Next, offer another set of stroke and distance events to the same age groups, alternating event numbers by gender. Continue this pattern for each set of related events. Doing so helps prevent swimmers from having back-to-back events.
Officials
Have trouble getting enough officials to work your meets? Consider moving a set of longer freestyle events to either the beginning or the end of the session. Freestyle events do not need as many officials watching the pool as other strokes. If the meet is held on a weekday afternoon, some officials may have to come after work. Freestyle at the beginning may help. Other times, when the session will run late, some officials may appreciate being able to leave early. Freestyle at the end may allow this.
CAUTION: Do not assume the meet referee will allow officials to come late or leave early. This information is simply provided as an option that may be helpful in some situations. It is best (and in some places required) to receive approval from the meet referee before finalizing the swim meet event list and meet announcement.
Volunteer Timers
One volunteer-friendly move is to ask swimmers in distance events (usually 400 meters/500 yards or longer) to supply their own timers. Be sure to alert swimmers of this need in the meet announcement. Putting these “own timer” events last means that someone can organize and train volunteer timers before the meet starts, then they can leave when these events start.
NOTE: Keep a Head Timer in place during the “own timer” events. Switching timers every heat can lead to more missed starts.
Computer Operator
A new, less-experienced, or “rusty” computer operator may appreciate having a longer set of events at the beginning. This allows a bit more time for him/her to come up to speed as the meet starts out.
Another Example of Problem-Solving with the Swim Meet Event List
Too many swimmers, not enough pool time
One large team struggled to find a meet event list that served their large group of swimmers within the pool time allotted by the facility. They tried Mixed Gender/Mixed Age events to maximize lane usage. The result? Problem solved.
Evaluating Swim Meet Event Lists
When seeking to problem-solve, you might try looking at the swim meet event list and other information from different swim meets. When evaluating unique meet event formats, ask “Why did they do it this way?” Consider contacting the meet director, letting him or her know your goal(s) and ask the following about their meet:
- What worked well and what didn’t?
- Would you do anything different next time?
- Any other tips or suggestions?
Weighing Factors
There are many factors to consider when making decisions about the swim meet event list. Not all deserve to be treated with equal value. Some are more important than others. Because the circumstances of meet hosts vary widely, there is no “one size fits all” answer. For more information on how to rank and weigh factors when making decisions, see Dealing with the Gray: Part 2.