Swim 101

Swim Meet Information

Swimmers compete against others in their own age group. Age groups are determined by the swimmer’s age as of May 31.

Age groups are as follows:

6 & Under
7–8
9–10
11–12
13–14
15 & Up

Each age group swims different strokes and distances.

Most pools we compete in are 25 yards per length, though some may be 25 meters.

Each swimmer may compete in up to:

3 individual events
2 relay events

Coaches determine and enter swimmers in events for each meet.

Events by Age Group

6 & Under

25-yard Freestyle
25-yard Backstroke
Freestyle Relay

7–8

25-yard Freestyle
25-yard Backstroke
25-yard Butterfly
25-yard Breaststroke
Freestyle Relay
Medley Relay

9–10

25-yard Freestyle
25-yard Backstroke
25-yard Butterfly
25-yard Breaststroke
50-yard Freestyle
100-yard Individual Medley (IM)
Freestyle Relay
Medley Relay

11–12, 13–14, 15 & Up

50-yard Freestyle
50-yard Backstroke
50-yard Butterfly
50-yard Breaststroke
100-yard Individual Medley (IM)
100-yard Freestyle
200-yard Freestyle Relay
200-yard Medley Relay

Relay & IM Information

Medley Relay Order:
Backstroke → Breaststroke → Butterfly → Freestyle

100 IM Order:
Butterfly → Backstroke → Breaststroke → Freestyle

Not all swimmers will be placed in relays, but every swimmer should be prepared to swim in a relay at each meet. Coaches will notify relay swimmers on meet day.

Meet Format

Events are swum in multiple heats depending on the number of swimmers entered. Swimmers are seeded into heats based on their fastest times.

Meet results are typically posted somewhere in the pool area during the meet.

The top 8 fastest times in each event receive ribbons.

Ribbon winners may not all be in the fastest heat.
Ribbons are distributed the week following the meet.

6 & Under Swimmers

Swim team is most appropriate for children who feel comfortable in the water. Swimmers should be able to swim freestyle at least half the length of the pool without touching the wall or lane rope.

While coaching and stroke instruction are provided throughout the season, swim team is not swim lessons.

A swim test will be conducted after the first couple of weeks of practice. Swimmers must be able to swim half the pool length unassisted. If they are unable to do so at that time, it may be best to wait another year before joining the team.

Time Trials

Time Trials is a “mock meet” that helps swimmers understand how a swim meet works.

Only Heatherwood swimmers participate.
Swimmers will compete in all eligible events for their age group.
Initial times for the season are established during Time Trials.

Ready Bench

Swimmers should know their event number and heat number. Many parents write event numbers on their swimmer’s arm or leg with a marker to help them remember.

When their event number is announced, swimmers report to the Ready Bench, where volunteers will line them up in the correct heat and lane.