This guide outlines the standard procedures for GPSA dual meets.

Pre-Meet Setup

Timing System

• Electronic timing systems must be set up and tested 30 minutes before meet start
• Backup manual timing procedures should be ready
• Scoreboard should be functional and visible

Pool Configuration

• Lane lines properly secured
• Starting blocks inspected for safety
• Backstroke flags positioned 15 feet from each wall
• Depth markers visible
• False start rope ready

Officials & Volunteers

All positions must be filled before the meet begins:

Meet Timeline

5:30 PM - Warm-up Begins

• Diving well may be used for warm-up
• Coaches supervise their swimmers
• No diving or backstroke during warm-up
• Separate warm-up for each team (rotating)

5:50 PM - Officials Meeting

• Referee briefs all officials
• Timing procedures reviewed
• Any special circumstances discussed

6:00 PM - National Anthem

• All swimmers, coaches, and officials stand at attention
• Meet begins immediately after

6:05 PM - Event 1 Begins

• Events proceed in numerical order
• No breaks between events unless announced

Event Procedures

Heat Assignments

1. Swimmers check in with Clerk of Course
2. Clerk assigns swimmers to heats and lanes
3. Swimmers receive heat/lane cards (if used)
4. Swimmers report to designated staging area

Staging & Check-In

• Swimmers must be in staging area two events before their race
• Example: If swimming Event 15, report during Event 13
• Swimmers line up in lane order
• Runner escorts swimmers to starting blocks

Starting Procedure

The Starter follows this sequence:

1. Long whistle - Swimmers step onto blocks (or enter water for backstroke)
2. “Take your mark” - Swimmers assume starting position
3. Horn/gun - Race begins

Important: Swimmers must remain motionless after “Take your mark.” Any movement may result in a false start.

During the Race

• Timers: Start watches on horn, stop when swimmer touches
• Judges: Watch for stroke infractions and illegal turns
• Parents: Cheer loudly! (But no coaching from the stands)

Finishing

• Swimmer must touch the wall with proper finish for their stroke
• Timers stop watches and record times
• Judges signal any disqualifications to the Referee
• Swimmers exit pool on side designated by officials

Disqualifications (DQs)

If a swimmer is disqualified:

1. Judge raises hand and signals infraction to Referee
2. Referee confirms DQ
3. Judge completes DQ slip with details
4. Coach is informed of the infraction
5. Coach explains infraction to swimmer (teaching moment)

Common DQ reasons:

• False start
• Illegal stroke
• Illegal turn
• Illegal finish
• Interference with another swimmer

Meet Management

Protests

1. Must be filed within 30 minutes of the race in question
2. Submit written protest to Referee
3. Referee reviews with Head Officials
4. Decision is final

Weather Delays

Lightning:

• Meet paused immediately when lightning is seen
• 30-minute clock starts from last lightning/thunder
• Clock resets with each new occurrence
• Meet may be postponed/cancelled if delay exceeds 1 hour

Rain:

• Meet continues in rain unless visibility is impaired
• Referee may pause for safety
• Standing water on deck may require delay

Medical Situations

1. Pause event immediately
2. Notify EMS if needed
3. Clear pool area
4. Do not resume until medical personnel clear the swimmer
5. Document incident

Post-Meet Procedures

Results

1. Head Timer submits all times to computer operator
2. Results reviewed for errors
3. Coaches sign off on meet results
4. Results posted to SwimTopia within 24-48 hours

Scoring

• Home team compiles final score
• Both coaches verify
• Score submitted to league recorder
• Final score posted on GPSA website

Cleanup

• Both teams assist with breakdown
• Timing equipment secured
• Pool area returned to normal configuration
• Officials return materials to home team rep

Meet Etiquette

For Swimmers

✅ Do:

• Arrive on time
• Listen to coaches
• Cheer for teammates
• Show good sportsmanship
• Thank officials and volunteers

❌ Don’t:

• Run on pool deck
• Dive into shallow water
• Argue with officials
• Distract other swimmers
• Leave trash

For Parents

✅ Do:

• Arrive early to help setup
• Volunteer when asked
• Cheer positively for all swimmers
• Follow facility rules
• Thank coaches and officials

❌ Don’t:

• Coach from the stands
• Argue with officials
• Criticize other swimmers
• Block walkways
• Use tobacco/alcohol at the meet

For Coaches

✅ Do:

• Communicate with officials
• Support all swimmers
• Enforce good sportsmanship
• Supervise team area
• Use DQs as teaching moments

❌ Don’t:

• Dispute judgment calls
• Show anger or frustration
• Neglect swimmer safety
• Allow unsportsmanlike conduct

Special Circumstances

Combined/Split Events

Some events may be combined (multiple age groups) or split (multiple heats) based on:

• Number of swimmers
• Time constraints
• Lane availability

The Referee makes final decisions on event format.

Exhibitions

Swimmers who have reached their 3-event limit may swim “exhibition”:

• No points scored
• Time still recorded
• Good for practice and experience

Alternates

If a relay swimmer is unavailable:

• Team may substitute another eligible swimmer
• Substitution must be made before the race
• Notify Clerk of Course

Resources

• League Rules - Complete rulebook
• Stroke & Turn Rules - Technical stroke details
• Officiating Guide - For meet officials
• Scoring System - How points are awarded

Questions during a meet? Ask your coach or the Referee. They’re there to help!