1.) How do I know which events my child we be swimming?

• Upon arrival, the coach(es) and some parent volunteers will have copies of the “Heat Sheet” – this is the list of events, and which swimmers are in each. We will have sharpies available and each swimmer will receive a marking on their arms that lists which events they are participating.

2.) What do the arm markings mean?

• The markings identify your child’s Event Number, Heat, Lane, and Stroke. In this example below, this child’s first event would be as follows: Event #2, Heat #3, Lane #5, Freestyle. For some swimmers we may also mark the distance (for example, instead of just FR for Freestyle, we may mark 50 FR to let the child know they are swimming a 50 Meter Freestyle)

3.)What should I bring to the swim meet?

• EXTRA GOGGLES (they frequently break or get lost!)
• Comfortable Chairs and/or blankets for sitting on the ground
• Extra Swim Cap
• Extra hair ties
• Towels
• Sunscreen
• Coolers are allowed, but no glass bottles
• Water, sports drinks (Powerade/Gatorade), water, water, water!
• Healthy Snacks (examples: fruit, pretzels, crackers, carrots/celery, granola bars, yogurt) – think light and easily digestible.
• Card games, books, toys etc., to entertain the children between events.
• Cash for concessions (some facilities take credit/debit, but all take cash)
• Dress for the weather! It can get hot on the pool deck!

4.)What does a Heat Sheet look like and what does everything mean?

5.)How long does a swim meet last? Do I have to stay the entire time?

• Swim meets can last anywhere from 3-5 hours, depending on the number of swimmers and volunteers. The more volunteers, the smoother the meet will run.
• You are not required to stay for the entire meet. Families may leave after their swimmer as finished their last event, provided they aren’t filling a volunteer role for the 2^nd half of the meet.

6.)What should we wear to a swim meet?

• Swimmers need to wear a swimsuit in the team colors: Black, Red, or a combination of Black/Red.
• Swim caps: Swimmers may wear the Barnstormers team swim cap, or a solid colored one with no logos from other teams. Solid Black and Solid Red are both fine substitutions if your child does have, or can’t wear, the team cap.
• Parents/Family: We encourage families to wear RED to support our swimmers and promote a sense of team unity and belonging! Red shirts, tank tops, hats, etc., are all great displays of team spirit!

7.) My family is brand new to swimming, I don’t understand any of the volunteer roles. How can we help, as a first time family?

• There are plenty roles for everyone, from the beginner to the expert. Typically, first year families can help by serving as Timer, Sorter, Checker, or Ribbon Prepper. Definitions for these roles are explained in the Volunteer Roles section, training is provided, and the parent volunteers are happy to help explain anything that may be unclear.

8.) How can I volunteer to help? Is my family required to volunteer?

• The Culpeper Recreation Club Barnstormer’s Swim Team participates in the Tri-County Swim League. As with any sporting activity, the League sets the standards for rules/regulations/protocols by which each team is expected to adhere.
• The Tri-County Swim League requires that each family provide at least 1 volunteer for at least ½ of a swim meet. The more volunteers we have, the more efficiently the meet will run. We have been to meets that were not well-staffed by volunteers and they can really drag on into the late hours of the night. While the Barnstormers don’t have a firm requirement of volunteer hours (some clubs do!) we strongly encourage each family to participate in fulfilling volunteer roles.
• Volunteer roles may be fulfilled by parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles, and even older siblings! There is something for everyone – from the new swim families to the veteran families! Training is provided, and everyone is very supportive of each other. You will never be alone, and we are here to support our families every step of the way!