Are meets required?
Participation in swim meets is highly encouraged at all levels of the DACA Competitive Program. Meets are an opportunity to track progress, and are factored into decisions such as group move-ups. While strongly encouraged, swim meet participation is not mandatory at introductory levels. As swimmers progress into higher levels, they are expected to attend competition. Swimmers are expected to attend competitions as they progress to higher levels.
What meets should my swimmer attend?
There are two different types of swim meets. The first is the "CBA+." CBA+ meets are open to swimmers of all levels. A swimmer does not need previous competition experience in order to attend a CBA+ meet. All DACA Competitive Age Group Swimmers are encouraged to attend these meets. The second type of meet is a "Qualifying" Meet. Qualifying meets have specific time standards that must be met in order to participate. This includes meets such as the Junior Olympic and Far Western Championships. Swimmers who have achieved the necessary qualifying times are expected to attend.
How long do meets last?
Swim meets, depending upon the format and number of participants, can range anywhere from several hours to an entire day in length. The standard "CBA+" meet is divided into a morning and afternoon session of approximately 4 hours each. Qualifying meets such as Junior Olympics or Far Western Championships will be much longer, as there are more events offered and a larger number of participants.
Does my swimmer need to be there for warmup?
All DACA Coaches expect for their swimmers to attend warmup prior to the start of the swim meet. The warmup period allows for the swimmer to get used to a new environment, as well as properly prepare their body for competition. Missing warmup is a detriment to the athlete and will more often than not result in diminished performance. Each coach and swimming group will have slightly different warmup procedures. Your swimmer should ask his or her coach what time they should arrive at the pool in order to complete a proper warmup.
What do we do when we arrive at the pool?
The very first thing your swimmer should do once they have arrived at the pool is to check in with their coach. Swimmers must also check-in for their events. Most swim-meets are "Deck – Seeded." This means that swimmers will not be given a heat/lane assignment unless they confirm that they are present and planning on swimming specific events. Swimmers must check-in for their events no less than 30 minutes prior to the anticipated start of the event. Once an event has "Closed" (30 minutes prior), swimmers may no longer check-in for that event and will not be allowed to swim if they have not done so.