Last updated on March 29th, 2022 at 11:32 am
Have you ever tried herding cats? I haven’t, but the idea always makes me laugh. It’s the perfect analogy for many situations in life, including corralling people at swim meets. Spectators, athletes, and others tend to sprawl at swim meets. They often fill in all available, and sometimes unavailable, space. Meet Marshals face a task as daunting as “herding cats” when trying to keep spectators in the proper spaces. This is especially true when the spectators are allowed on the pool deck. The following can help.
Contents for Herding Cats at Swim Meets
Pre-Meet Leadership Communication
Before the meet, the facility contact, meet director, and meet referee should agree on where spectators can be and where they cannot.
Meet Announcement
If known when compiling the meet announcement document, include information about spectator seating areas, and areas reserved for coaches, athletes, officials and meet workers.
Meet Marshals
Meet marshals are those awesome volunteers who make sure everyone follows the safety rules throughout the course of the meet. It’s important they receive adequate instruction before working.
Signs
Place signs designating where spectators may and may not be around the venue. To keep good relations with the facility, see if they prefer where and how signs are posted.
Boundary Demarcation
Clearly marking boundaries helps to keep the “cats” where they should be and can provide a defendable line for meet marshals to enforce. This is especially important when spectators can be on deck.
Temporary fencing
Temporary fencing, if available, can close off areas as needed. Here is an Amazon Affiliate link to temporary fencing.
Bright colored duct tape
Bright-colored duct tape can mark boundaries directly on the deck. It works best if laid before warm-ups while the deck is dry. This makes a clear boundary line for meet marshals to enforce. Here is an Amazon Affiliate link to red duct tape.
Flagging tape
Flagging tape, a non-adhesive tape, is available in many different colors and is preferred by many to caution tape. Either or both can be used to mark boundaries and hazardous areas at swim meets. Here is an Amazon Affiliate link to flagging tape.
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!