Park Village Porpoises

To participate in swim meets, swimmers must be able to safely swim the minimum distance required for their age group independently, without the use of swim aids or flotation devices.

Race Distances by Age Group

• Ages 11 & Up: 50 yards
• Ages 7–10: 25 yards
• Ages 6 & Under: 15 yards
  • “Kid catchers” stand at the 15-yard mark and assist swimmers to the wall if needed.

Please note that being practice-ready does not always mean a swimmer is meet-ready. Decisions regarding meet readiness are based solely on water safety. We never want to place a swimmer in a situation they may not be ready for.

It is very common for younger swimmers to need a few weeks of practice before participating in meets. The Head Coach will communicate any meet readiness concerns directly with parents/guardians.

Meet Declarations

Swimmers must opt in (“declare”) for each meet through SwimTopia. During declarations, families will be able to:

• Indicate meet attendance
• Specify relay availability
• Leave notes for the coaching staff

We encourage swimmers to try all strokes and participate in relays when they are ready, but we understand that some swimmers may need additional time and confidence, especially early in the season.

Events by Age Group

Swimmers Ages 7 & Up

Swimmers generally participate in:

• Freestyle
• Backstroke
• Breaststroke
• Butterfly
• Up to two relays:
  • Medley Relay
  • Freestyle Relay

Swimmers Ages 6 & Under

Swimmers generally participate in:

• Freestyle
• Backstroke
• Breaststroke

6 & Under swimmers do not typically participate in relays, although exceptions may occasionally be made for strong swimmers.

The Intrasquad Mock Meet is a practice swim meet held at the Park Village pool before the first official dual meet. There is no visiting team for this event.

The Mock Meet helps:

• Introduce new swimmers to the swim meet format
• Train parent volunteers before the first official meet
• Allow coaches to collect times and evaluate stroke legality
• Help coaches prepare lineups for the first dual meet

Attendance is strongly encouraged for all swimmers and families if possible. Since there is no visiting team, all families should plan to volunteer that evening.

If your swimmer cannot attend the Mock Meet, it is the family’s responsibility to coordinate with the coaches to obtain times separately.

The Mock Meet will begin between 5:30–6:00 PM (final time TBD). We aim to finish around 8:00 PM, with 6 & Under swimmers typically finished by approximately 7:30 PM.

Arrival Times

• Home Meets: arrive by 4:45 PM
  • Warm-ups begin at 5:00 PM
• Away Meets: arrive by 5:15 PM
  • Warm-ups begin at 5:30 PM

Dual meets begin promptly at 6:00 PM. Please arrive on time so swimmers can warm up and coaches can finalize lineups.

If you are running late, communication is extremely important. Swimmers who have not checked in by 5:30 PM will be removed from the meet unless the coaching staff has been notified in advance. Once a swimmer is removed from the meet, they may not be re-added. 

Check-In Process

When swimmers arrive, they should check in at the swimmer check-in tent. Coaches/volunteers will write either a name on the swimmer’s arm to help the clerk of course and kid pushers ensure the swimmer is in the correct lane.

Coaches will also let swimmers know when it is time for warm-ups.

Meet Length & Weather

Most meets end around 9:00–9:30 PM, although timing varies based on the number of swimmers and events. 6 & under swimmers will usually finish by 8:00-8:15 PM.

If a meet is postponed due to weather, it will typically be held the following evening at 6:00 PM.

We recommend bringing:

• Towels
• Goggles
• Swim caps
• Chairs (deck seating is limited)
• Water and snacks
• Small games/cards/activities for downtime between events

Please avoid bringing electronics near the pool deck whenever possible.

Most pools offer concessions, but payment methods vary by location. Details will be included in the weekly meet email

• Stay hydrated, especially during hot weather
• No glass containers are permitted inside the pool area
• TSA rules prohibit alcohol during swim meets
• The pool (including the baby pool) is closed to recreational swimming during meets
• Siblings who are not participating in the swim meet may not swim during meets
• All pool rules apply.

Swim meets are not canceled or delayed due to rain alone. Please plan to arrive at the meet at the scheduled time even if the forecast appears questionable.

Whenever possible, meets are held on the originally scheduled night because:

• Rescheduling creates additional challenges for the host team and staff
• It can be difficult to get swimmers and volunteers back the following evening due to other activities and commitments

Lightning and thunder are handled differently for safety reasons.

If lightning or thunder occurs, the pool will be cleared and the meet will enter a 30-minute delay from the most recent occurrence. In inclement weather, the Pool Manager determines when the pool must be evacuated and when it is safe to re-enter the water.

If the meet remains delayed after one hour, the TSA Representatives from both teams will meet to determine whether the meet should continue or be rescheduled.

If both teams agree to stop the meet for the evening, the meet will typically be rescheduled for the following night at 6:00 PM.