ARRIVAL TIME: Please arrive at the pool on time for warm ups for all meets (usually an hour before start time). The time of the meets can be found on the Meets/Events tab.

COACHING: During the meet, coaches will be on deck observing each child. These observations will be used in upcoming practices to help swimmers improve. The assistant coaches will be helping swimmers get set up for starts, reminding swimmers of specifics for each race (stroke type, sequence, etc...). Please allow them to focus on these activities. No parents should be in the ready bench area, start or finish areas that are not working a volunteer shift.

QUESTIONS/CONCERNS: If any questions or concerns arise during a meet, please find a BGP Rep or BGP Head Coach. Parents are NOT allowed to question reps or coaches on other teams.

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS: Each meet requires the help of all of our parents to keep things running smoothly! There are multiple positions from which to choose from:

• RUNNER: responsible for picking up timer & disqualification slips from timers at each lane (poolside) and running them inside to the auditors.
• TIMER: assigned one lane with a timer from the opposing team and together both are responsible for timing each swimmer in his/her lane.
• JUDGE: sit poolside and watch for disqualifications. Previous experience and/or attendance at officials training would be helpful for most judges. 
• AUDITOR: go over time and disqualification slips before information is entered into the computer. Look for discrepancies in times or disqualifications. This job is not poolside and takes place inside with those who run the computer.  
• HOSPITALITY: serve water and lemonade to all poolside volunteers.
• COMPUTER: enter times and disqualifications as they occur. Job is not poolside. Previous experience would be helpful but is not mandatory - we will train you if you are interested in this role. 
• STARTER: Runs the meet by starting each race. Previous experience required.

What to Bring

• Team swimsuit, cap, goggles (an extra pair of goggles is a good idea!), team t-shirt, towel, and sunscreen. Make sure all items are labeled with your child's name.
• Plenty of snacks and drinks to keep your swimmer hydrated and energized.
• Games or cards for your child to play in between races. (travel games, books, cards, etc)
• Folding camp chairs to sit on, and a canopy for shade if you have one.

Upon Arrival

• Be on Time! Warm-ups begin well before the meet start time.
• Ensure your swimmer has sunscreen on and is checked in. Find the sign in and put a check mark beside your child's name and write his/her events on their arm.
• VOLUNTEERS: If you have signed up to volunteer NO MATTER WHAT SHIFT, PLEASE check the posted volunteer sign ups to make sure you know your job for the day.

During the meet

• WHAT YOUR SWIMMER SHOULD KNOW: First and foremost - have fun! Do your best and enjoy the meet. 
• PARENTS: PLEASE leave the coaching to our amazing coaches and just encourage your swimmers. If you are volunteering and leaving your swimmer (especially our younger swimmers), please make sure they know where all their "stuff" is snacks, goggles, money and entertainment. Please remind your swimmers to stay with the age group parents and not wander off as this can create chaos when time comes to swim. Please lather your swimmers with sunscreen prior to arriving at the pool.
• RELAYS: Please don't cancel on relays, especially last minute - if your swimmer is signed up to swim the relay and for some reason you cannot stay, or make it, PLEASE INFORM the reps immediately. A relay is 4 swimmers and if one isn't there, the whole relay team has to forfeit. It makes everyone sad when this happens. 
• DISQUALIFIED: Swimmers will be DQ'd (disqualified) for improper strokes. If your child is DQ'd please assure your swimmer that it is okay. The coaches get a list of disqualifications at the end of each meet and they will go over these with swimmers in practice!

Additional Thoughts

• Please LABEL EVERYTHING with names so we can avoid lost shirts, towels, caps, bathing suits, etc. 
• Wear sunscreen!
• Bring cash and small bills for concessions
• Have fun watching all the kids experience summer swim. 
• Most importantly, the Stars want to be known for our good sportsmanship. Please congratulate the winner no matter what team they are on, please encourage all swimmers, and please encourage your swimmers to do the same. Our swimmers will follow our example.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Our coaches and our reps will also be able to answer questions you might have at the meets. 

GO Stars!