Swim Meet Equipment Checklist

Last updated on May 17th, 2022 at 09:10 pm

Looking for a list of equipment you might need at a swim meet? Start here. Then, because local conditions vary greatly, add or delete items as needed. For more, see Swim Meet Equipment and Supplies Overview.

Swim Meet Equipment List

Swim Meet Timing Equipment and Electronics

• Touchpads and pool mounts (if applicable)
• Deck Cable and backup buttons
• Starter (Charged)
  • Microphone cord
  • Cord that connects starter to deck cable
  • Charger cord
• Timing Console
  • Cords to connect console to meet printer
  • Power cord
  • Extra batteries (backup power)
  • Cord to connect to printer (if used)
• Stopwatches
  • Minimum 2 per lane recommended. If running lanes without touchpads or backup buttons, need 3 watches per lane
  • 2 watches for head timer
  • Test to make sure all are in good working order
  • Spare batteries and watches
• Timing Clipboards
  • 1 per lane with TIMER CLIPBOARD INSTRUCTION SHEET attached
  • Pencils
• Power Cords
  • Power Strip(s)
  • Extension Cord(s)
• Meet Computer(s)
  • Meet management software with appropriate interfaces for timing system, scoreboard, and network (if used)
  • Current meet database uploaded on to computer (Remove all “ghost” meet databases—old versions of this meet)
  • Power cord
  • Printer driver for printer to be used with computer–test early to  make sure printer works with computer
  • Cord(s) to connect printer to laptop (if used)
  • Cord to connect meet computer to timing system
• Printer(s)
  • Power cordCord(s) to connect printer to laptop
  • Paper:  White (at least a ream per session per printer) and different color paper (used for re-seeds, and sometimes other reports–if no different color of paper is provided re-seeds must be clearly marked in another way)
  • Spare toner or ink cartridge
• Complete Tool Box (Include tools, tape, wire, etc.)

Physical Environment

• Tent(s) A must-have for outdoor meets for the computer table.  (It is next to impossible to see the screens on the timing console and meet computer without a tent or some other covering)
• Tables (for meet computer and timing console–most likely available at pool, but be sure there is one. Additional tables may be needed for other areas like concessions, awards, hospitality, volunteer check-in, etc.)
• Chairs
• Lap Counters (Needed if there are events 500 yards or longer in SC yards, 400 or longer in SC Meters, 800 or longer in LC Meters) 1 per lane
• Pace Clock (For warmups)
• Public Address Sound System
• National Anthem?
  • Flag
  • Someone to sing, play, or a recording (and a way to play it)

Office Supplies and Forms

It’s helpful to keep these supplies together in a box or bin. A fishing tackle box, or other box with divers, is helpful for keeping small items organized.

• Office Supplies
  • Tape (need both masking to post heat sheets/results & Duck to tape cables to deck/blocks, etc.)
  • Pencils
  • Pencil sharpener
  • Highlighter and/or marker
  • Pens
  • Stapler and staples
  • Scissors
  • Paper clips
• Meet Administration Forms: 
  • Scratch cards and list
  • DQ list for computer operator
  • No-show slips and list
  • Computer change forms
• Event File Box(es) Box(es) with numbered hanging folders or binder(s) with numbered dividers.  Need 1 folder/divider for each event
• Signs (For crowd control, to show volunteers where to go, heat sheets and meet results, to designate official’s chairs, etc.)
• Caution or Colored Plastic Tape (Non-sticky.  Used to rope off the deck as needed)
• Splash guard (If available, Plexiglass shield to protect computer and timing equipment)

Swim Meet Equipment Manager Instructions

Is someone else managing the equipment during the meet? This Swim Meet Equipment Manager Instructions post helps aid effective delegation.

Sharing Swim Meet Equipment Checklist via QR Code

What is a QR code?

A QR Code (quick response code) is a type of 2D bar code used to provide easy access to information through a smartphone or other device. The Host Great Meets QR codes contain information that when scanned, leads a person directly to a specific post.

How to use a QR code

Many smartphones and other devices have barcode and QR code scanning built-in. Simply open the camera or barcode scanning app and point it at the code. Make sure all four corners of the code are in view. Let it focus and soon a link should appear on the screen. Click on the link. It will bring the device directly to the post. For more detailed instructions, see https://www.wikihow.com/Scan-a-QR-Code

Why use a QR code to share this post?

Sharing helpful information helps others do a good job. Boost their performance by sharing information in a way they can reference later if needed. Even if they don’t need it later, sharing both verbally and visually increases retention. Using a QR code also allows for quick, easy, paperless, and touchless sharing. This method is especially useful on wet pool decks.

Downloadable Swim Meet Equipment Checklist Files

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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!