MEET ARRIVAL TIME

 

All swimmers should arrive at the meet pool by 6:45 AM for check-in and warm-ups. Late arrivals can lose their place in an event. You must have your swimmer check-in at the Pirate tent or designated check-in spot.  If you are not checked in by 7:15 a.m., your swimmer will be scratched from all meets.

 

THINGS YOU NEED FOR THE MEET

 

The following is a recommended list of things to either bring or have available:

bulletSwimsuit
bulletTowels
bulletClothing for in between events
bullet10 x 10 tent (If Outdoors)
bulletChairs (If Outdoors)
bulletBlanket, air mattress, sleeping bag
bulletDrinks
bulletIce
bulletSunscreen (If Outdoors)
bulletBug spray
bulletGatorade or Powerade (Energy drinks are not recommended as they typically can make you sick in the extreme heat)
bulletFood – Meets typically last 5-6 hours (There is usually a concession stand available with food and drinks)
bullet Entertainment, as there is lots of downtime for some of the kids.

 

LEAVING A MEET

 

It is imperative that the coach and the Pearland Clerk of Course be notified of any early departure. Please remember that if your child swims on a relay, his/her absence will affect 3 other swimmers. Please don’t leave 3 other teammates, who may have waited hours to swim, hanging.

Also remember, sometimes your child may be placed in an individual or relay event as a replacement swimmer during the meet – or may have forgotten that they are swimming in the last relay. Please check with the Clerk of Course before actually leaving.

 

STAY WITH THE TEAM AT THE POOL DURING THE MEET

 

During meets, swimmers should stay near the team in the designated Pirate area if one is provided. They will be notified when it is time for them to report to the ready area for an event. When swimmers arrive at the ready area, they are given their entry cards from the Ready Area person. Junior coaches, RASH helpers and the Ready Area volunteers assist the swimmers in getting in their appropriate heats. Ultimately, it is the swimmer's responsibility to be in the ready area at the appropriate time or they could be scratched from the event and possibly the meet.

 

QUESTIONS OR COMPLAINTS

 

During swim meets, any questions or complaints about actions of the officials or the opposing team must be directed to the Pearland Pirate Team Representative (Kevin Morano), who will relay the question or complaint to the meet Referee. CCSL rules prohibit parents or swimmers from approaching Judges and/or the Referee directly.  Only an official league representative may do so. Disregarding this rule could cause the team to incur sanctions or prompt your removal from the competition. Please represent yourself, your swimmer and the team well by being courteous and respectful of officials as well as all other meet volunteers

 

EVENTS

 

At meets, swimmers compete against other swimmers of the same sex, age group, and general ability. There are six age groups: 6 and Under; 8 and Under, 9 & 10, 11 & 12, 13 & 14, and 15 - 18. A meet includes competition in seven event types. There are five individual events: Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, and Individual Medley. There are two relays: Freestyle Relay and Medley Relay. Each age group participates in each event type with the following exceptions: 9 and under do not swim Individual Medley; and 6 and under only swim Freestyle, Backstroke and Freestyle Relay.

 

The order for a Medley Relay is Back, Breast, Fly, Free.  The order for an Individual Relay is Fly, Back, Breast, Free.

 

Swimmers under age 15 are limited by CCSL rules to four events per meet. These could include two individual events and two relays or three individual events and one relay. Swimmers age 15 and older are allowed five events.

 

ENTRIES

 

While a swimmer may be entered in a maximum of four or five events per regular season meet depending on age, the Coach may not be able to enter all swimmers in four events. An entry list, which identifies the events each swimmer is entered in, will be posted on the website by Thursday.

 

RIBBONS

 

Swimmers, except for disqualifications, are awarded ribbons in all heats in regular season meets. The event and time will be recorded on the back of the ribbon. The ribbons will be distributed at a scheduled time during a practice session the week after the meet. Have a special place to show off your ribbons!!

 

DISQUALIFICATIONS

 

Swimmers are judged according to the USA Swimming Rules & Regulations for competition with the following exception. One false start is allowed before disqualification. Unfortunately, swimmers are sometimes disqualified during a race, usually for executing a start, stroke, turn or finish illegally. They may also be disqualified for early takeoff in relays. The starter, stroke and turn judges, and the referee may disqualify swimmers. It is important to remember that the meet referee has the ability to disqualify individual competitors for poor sportsmanship and conduct as well.

These officials are parent volunteers who have received specific CCSL training. Their purpose is to assure that no swimmer gains an unfair advantage over another swimmer. When time permits, an official will seek out the swimmer or their coach to explain the reason for disqualification. Do not, under any circumstances, approach any official regarding a disqualification. By CCSL rule, only an official league representative may do so. Disregarding this rule could cause the team to incur sanctions or prompt your removal from the competition.

 

As with any concern, please approach a board member for assistance. Please represent yourself, your swimmer and the team well by being courteous and respectful of officials as well as all other meet volunteers.