Swim Meet Info

Meets are not mandatory but highly encouraged – they are fun and help kids gauge their progress. It is recommended that Junior Prep swimmers do at least 2 developments meets in a season. While, JR/ INT/ SR should aim to do a minimum of 2 meets a month. Meets are 2 day events but swimmers have the option of attending only one day.

Coaches will send an email invite via the Active system. Parents tap on the link in the email to get to their Active portal, tap again on the meets tab and indicate whether or not the swimmer will attend. Coaches will make the event selection.

The division you compete in is based on your age at the start of the season. You can look these up in the 2024 BCSSA Swimming Age Locator available from the BCSSA each year.

Yes coaches select the race events. Swimmers will get confirmation of their events several days before the meet.

Swim meets take place in rain or shine be prepared for the weather. Here are some suggested items:

• Swimsuits (2-3)
• Goggles (good to have a spare set)
• Burnaby swim cap (also good to have a spare)
• Flip flops
• Water bottle
• Food and healthy snacks
• Warm clothes like sweats and hoodie
• Long robe or parka
• Cash for concession and to purchase a meet program
• Games, books, cards to play in between races
• Pop-up tent or canopy, tarp, folding chairs, sleeping bag or blanket
• Barracudas will have 2 team tents set-up as a base gathering point, but that won’t be enough room for everyone so families are encouraged to set-up their own tents nearby.

1. Swimmer Activation & Warmups – while swimmers warm up, parents are setting up their stuff for the day in the Cudas area.
2. Volunteer SignUp –after setup, parents will sign up for timing, or deck official shifts for the meet.
3. Purchase a Program – each meet has a program that lists the events, heats and swimmers. It’s helpful to bring a highlighter for your events!
4. Marshalling – listen for your swimmer’s race to be called, take them and check them in with the marshalling check-in then head for the stands to watch the race.
5. Race – Cheer like crazy and wonder if the swimmers can hear you!!
6. After the race swimmers will check in with their coaches and head back to the Cudas tent area until their next event.
7. Results – are posted in a central area at the swim meet.

Most meets utilize the Meet Mobile app. The app is available for both Android & Apple and provides real time meet results from anywhere at anytime.

Warm ups are scheduled early in the morning the day of the meet and usually last about 15 – 20 minutes. Warmups are early due to many swim clubs having to share the pool at the same time prior to the start of the meet. About 10 minutes prior to getting into the pool, coaches will assemble the team to begin activation. Participating in activation and warmups is important, as it gives swimmers the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the pool and visualize where the blocks, walls, and flags are located.

All swimmers attending a meet should be prepared to participate in a relay. The coaches will make-up the relays teams the morning of meet based on who is there. Sometimes coaches will have swimmers from different age division do a relay together to get experience. Swimmers need to check with their coaches if they are assigned to a relay. Coaches will also post the relay lists at the Cudas tent.

Before leaving a meet swimmers should also check with their coaches to ensure that there are no other events or relays.

Go to the Sign-Up Centre.

Questions? E-mail the club’s Director of Officials using the contact form.