BEN LOMOND SWIM TEAM

The Prince William Swim League schedule normally has 8 weeks for swim meets. Every team swims every week on Saturday mornings. The first meet is a practice meet (Time Trials) used to help all swimmers and parents get acclimated to how a meet is run. BLST swims this meet alone and swimmers will get their first times of the season. These times are not counted towards end of season awards but do count toward seeding for the first meet of the season.

The next 6 weeks are the regular season meets, 3 away meets and 3 at home. BLST competes against one other team during these meets. Meets vary in length but generally they begin at 7:00 AM and end before Noon. A PWSL meet is 67 events and each swimmer may compete in up to 3 individual and 2 relays events. There is alot of swimming packed in those 5 hours. At this point you may be asking why so early?... Weather is the primary reason because afternoons can be hot - getting kids out of the heat is important. Drink lots of water and dress appropriately.

There are lots of jobs parents can do to make these meets go smoothly (See Why Volunteer).

Swimmer awards (ribbons) are given through 12th place in every individual event, relays ribbons are given through 3rd place. Coaches will pass out ribbons at the gathering after the meet or found in the swimmer's mailboxes during the following week's practice. In addition swimmers may also receive other ribbons for other accomplishments such as time improvements, "A" and "B" times.

After the meets the team gathers at a local restaurant for lunch. Swimmers have lots of fun getting out of the sun, talking to friends and getting their ribbons from their coaches. The head coach usually says a few words about the outcome of the morning meet. Attendance is not required, the team does this every week and its just a good way to have a little fun.

The last meet of the season is the Divisional Meet. Because this meet has 3 teams competing it will run longer, usually until 1:00-1:30.

A few last notes on meets:

ØIts summer time, people take vacations and may miss a meet. If you know you will miss a meet, please let your coach know before the Monday before the meet. This will help coaches plan their meet entries for Saturdays meet. This is a very regular occurrence and the coaches understand. Use the website or Swimtopia App to "Opt In/Out" of meets.

ØMeets are rarely made up due to weather. If they are canceled, we move on to the next meet.

ØIf you are coming late or leaving early, let your coach know - relays can be changed during the meet and coaches may ask you to swim in a relay even if you weren't scheduled on Thursday.

ØSwimmers should talk to their coach after they swim each event. Our coaches are very encouraging to all the swimmers and this can really help swimmers improve their swimming experience.

ØHeat sheets (or psych sheets) are available for sale at most meets which list all swimmers for each event. This helps the swimmers become familiar with their competition times and their individual placement in an event.

This site will be updated regularly with up new information, but always ask if you have questions!

Pack List:

1. - 2-Swimsuit (is always good to have a backup) - 2 Caps ( in case one breaks)
2. - 2 Goggles ( in case one breaks) - Blanket: For lying down on or if you get cold.
3. - 2 towels - Food: We suggest bagels, fruit, Lots of water, etc. … no carbonation or candies is best.
4. -Bottle of water: Hydration is key for swimmers who sweat a lot during competitions, especially since they are in the sun most of the time.
5. - Book/CD player/Cards: Something to keep you busy in between events
6. - Change of Clothes: For afterwards, so you're not wearing wet clothes to the restaurant the team will choose to go to after the meet.
7. - Sunscreen/Sun Block: very important for your well-being since we are in the sun all morning.
8. - Fold up chair for mom or dad and yourself
9. - Patience: The meets can run long. Have patience and enjoy the day with your kids, have fun cheering on your kids and the Team.