Competitions can be daunting for many swimmers and their parents. Here's some tips to help.

Arrival - it is best to arrive about 15 minutes before warm up time.  Every meet will advise when the warm up time is, or you can confirm this with your coach prior to the competition.

Warm Up - The coaches meet all the competitors on pool deck - all you need to do is follow their instructions.  Don't forget your goggles, cap etc for this warm up up time.  At the end of the warm up the coaches will tell you to get out of the pool.  If you have worn warm up bathers, you will need to change into your competition bathers.

Pool Deck - Generally speaking, swimmers should sit together to enhance team spirit and provide support for their team members.  Younger swimmers may like to stay with their parents, however, most parents sit in close proximity to the competitors anyway.  You will need to keep your muscles warm, so take a couple of short walks to keep active.  Accompanying team members to marshalling is one of doing this, or checking results as they are posted is another.  By remaining positive and supporting your team mates, you are bound to have a good swimming experience, regardless of results.

Events - It is most important that you speak with your Coach before you go to marshalling for each event.  Your Coach will give you last minute instructions.  Equally important is that you speak to your Coach immediately after each event for feedback.

Marshalling - On pool deck there will be a "Marshalling Board".  This will display the events that are marshalling.  The event numbers are in the programs the the event holder provides as your enter the pool.  Remember to give yourself time to gather your gear, talk to your coach and walk to the marshalling area.  If you are unsure, ask one of your team mates to walk with you.  DO NOT BE LATE FOR MARSHALLING.

Behaviour - Your behavior is very important because you are representing the South Lake Dolphins Swimming Club Inc. every time you put on your club uniform.  This is something to be proud of.  You must follow the Swimmers' Code of Behavior at all times.

When it is all over - At the end of the day it is time to reflect on your experience but not dwell on any negatives - try to take something positive away with you after every meet.  The South Lake Swimming Club has an Result Recorder however it is a good idea to write down the meet details and your times and placings for each swim to that you can use them for later competition entries.  Keeping a record is also an excellent way to measure your progress and look back years later with pride.