Parents

Brandywine Tiger Sharks Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

1) What is a “Dual” Meet?

These are included in your swim team fees.  They are when we swim one other team only. Parent volunteers are needed to help at these meets or they will not start on time.

2) What is an “Invitational” Meet?

These meets may have an extra fee per event; unlike dual meets the swimmers may choose their events.  Some have restrictions based on age, qualifying times etc.

Multiple teams are in attendance, some do last 4-6 hours.

3) What is USA Swimming Meet and fees?

USA swimming is a competitive swimming program; the decision to join USA Swimming is made only by the Head Coach.  USA Swimming has meets that are all over the Mid-Atlantic area.  Swimmers will pay per event. For more info, visit www.usaswimming.org  Swimmers typically swim the age they are on the day of meet

4) What is the difference between the Mini and Level 1? (info for all levels is on bulletin board)

Mini Level - For those swimmers new to competition, usually younger swimmers. Competing at away meets is optional, home meets are recommended. Swimmers need to attend at least 2 practices a week, no more then 3. 

Level 1- For those swimmers who can complete a legal 25 meter of each stroke, can do freestyle and backstroke flipturns correctly, and has Coaches approval. Some Level 1 swimmers 9yrs and up may be invited to register for  USA Swimming, enabling them to compete at USA meets for additional fees.  Level 1 swimmers compete  at ALL Dual meets.

5) Do I need to volunteer at meets?

YES!  We expect every parent to help at meets.  There are many different ways to help the team and many are easy to learn!  You can mark positions you are interested in on the Swimmer registration form.

6) Do I need to fill all these papers (team forms) out?

Yes!  Your swimmer(s) may not be able to participate at practices or meets if we do not have your paperwork, please fill them out and hand them into to one of the Coaches.

7) Definitions for the following you will see on Meet programs:

• NT- No Time.  Your swimmer has yet to swim a time in the event

• DQ- Disqualification.

• “X” – Exhibition. Your swimmer is not being scored in this event.

• “Live Heat”- Only the first heat of each event is a live, scored heat.

• NS - No show. Your swimmer did not swim in a scheduled event

8) Why shouldn’t I be on deck during practice?

We have found that swimmers practice much better, and pay more attention  when their parents are not on the deck.  We ask that if you feel you need to be on deck, do so rarely. If you do come on deck, you need to  sit on the bleachers between pool doors, not by the windows, on the benches,  on white tubs, or window sills. Also, please do not speak to your child during practice unless it is an emergency.  We have many fitness classes, an outside track, and Wellness Center you can use.

9) Meters & Yards  

Our  pool is a 25 Meter pool, some pools will be 25 Yards  so make sure you look at program. The Meter pool times are “slower” then Yard times as meters pool are longer.  

We encourage all parents to utilize the website, www.bcyswim.org

Any questions, please feel free to email Coach Jenne (jschroeder@ymcabwv.org) or Head Coach Ray (rlease@ymcabwv.org)

General Meet Rules

• Parents are only allowed on the pool deck during meets if they are volunteering. All other parents must remain in the bleachers.
• Swimmers need to stay on deck with swimmers except to go to restroom or snack bar but must let a coach know.
• Swimmers are expected to behave in ALL locker rooms and represent the BCY Swim Team in a positive light.
• It is a good idea to let your swimmer know where to meet you after the meet.
• Swimmers are expected to stay until the end of all dual meets to cheer on their teammates and participate in the BCY Team Cheer.

What should we bring to a meet?

• Check the swimmers page for what should be in your swimmers bag.
• An extra towel or blanket for your swimmer to sit on while they are waiting.
• Some invitationals allow parents and swimmers to wait together, usually in a gym. Keep a chair in your trunk for these situations (unless you want to sit on a gym floor!)
• Snacks and drinks and/or money for the snack bar.
• At dual meets you are welcome to volunteer to help pass the time. Books, magazines, a laptop or work help pass the time while you wait at invitationals and USA meets.
• A lightweight sweater or sweatshirt comes in handy. The pool area is often very warm but the waiting area at invitationals and USA meets usually are not.