Common Questions and Answers

1. What's the best way to prepare for a swim meet?

Preparing for a swim meet is both a physical and mental exercise.

Be sure to eat a carbo-loaded dinner, like spaghetti, the night before the meet. Eating this type of meal two nights before the meet is okay and may even be optimal. Drink lots of water - avoid sugar!

The night before, have your swim meet bag packed and your swimsuit and sweats laid out. In your bag, you'll want to bring your goggles, a towel or two, suntan lotion, a water bottle, a hat and something to entertain yourself with during the meet like a deck of cards, a book, or a magazine. You may also want to pack a healthy snack.

Go to bed early! Your performance at the meet will be so much better if you are well rested. While you're relaxing and falling asleep, visualize yourself at the swim meet the next morning, diving from the block and swimming the length of the pool as fast as you can.

Eat a light and healthy breakfast. Include protein.

2. How are ribbons distributed?

Ribbons are prepared by our lead volunteer after the meet has concluded.  She places them in a file box that is either sitting out at practice or is kept in the pool shed on the Monday after the meet.  There is a file for every family in which to retrieve the ribbons. 

3. What is the inclement weather policy?

The Knolls swim team practices are canceled by the head coach if the weather is below 60 degrees.  The RMSL policy for Dual Meet cancellation is if there is thunder or lightning, or if the air temperature is below 55 degrees. Check the Knolls website and email for current info regarding practice and meets. If in doubt, please come to the pool. Keep in mind that, as the parent, it’s ultimately your decision whether or not your child should swim.
The cancellation or termination of swim meets will be handled on a case-by-case basis and must have dual approval from the home and away parent reps.

4. What are the volunteer requirements from parents?

Swim meets are run entirely by volunteers.  Our home meets will require approximately 60 or more shifts to fill. You are responsible for filling one shift per child swimming (2 swimmers= 2 shifts) at home meets and approximately one shift per family for away meets.  The volunteer positions are described in more detail in our handbook.  Most require minimum training except for stroke judging and starter/referee- these require clinic attendance before the season begins.  Lead volunteers with the help of a parent rep will coordinate shifts with parents.

Additional Questions?  Check the Swim Team Handbook or contact a parent rep and/or coach.