All swimmers must declare/register for each meet on the Patriot website. It is extremely important we are aware if a swimmer is not attending a meet because of the potential impact to relays.

Meet Sign Up/Declaration

All swimmers must declare/register for each meet on the Huntwick Patriots website. It is extremely important we are aware if a swimmer is not attending a meet because of the potential impact on relays.

Meet Entries

Each swimmer may be entered in as many as five (5) events. A swimmer may participate in no more than three (3) individual events and up to two (2) relays. Relay entries are determined by the coaching staff and are based on individual times (see Relays section). You may request events when you declare your meet attendance on the website (use the comments section) but understand the coaches will make the final determination on entries for all swimmers and their decision is final.

Relays

It is important that all swimmers participate in the relays they are assigned. It is not fair to the other swimmers in the relay, or the team if a swimmer does not show up for a relay. 

All relays are based on individual times, and the swimmer's consistency in legal strokes. Relays are designed to give the team the best possible chance for accumulating team points. The individuals that make up a relay may change throughout the season as swimmers improve their times and strokes.

Restricted Areas

Each host pool will have some restricted areas during the meet. The ready bench area and the deck immediately around the pool are usually roped off. Please be considerate and avoid these areas so the meet can run smoothly and efficiently.

Please do not enter the computer room or approach the computer tables during the meet. The people at these tables are busy running the swim meet and ensuring the accuracy of the swim times and overall results.

Inclement Weather

Per the NWAL Rule Book, a meet can be delayed or postponed due to climatic conditions. The meet shall immediately be suspended when thunder is heard or lightning is visible. The meet shall be suspended until 15 minutes after the last thunder was heard or the last lightning was sighted. When a meet is suspended because of lightning and/or thunder, the pool area shall be immediately cleared of all participants, officials, and spectators. Check with the coach before leaving the pool site.

If a dual meet has progressed through event 58 and is suspended due to unfavorable climatic conditions, the meet is considered complete and no reschedule is necessary. The results through the last event completed shall be the final score.

Disqualifications

NWAL events are officiated by trained and certified judges. If a swimmer does not swim a stroke within the limits established by the league, does not touch the wall in the prescribed manner, or does not have a clear start an official may call a disqualification (DQ) and the swim will not count. At the conclusion of the swim the official should explain to the swimmer why he or she was disqualified. This should be looked at as a learning experience and the swimmer should tell the coach the reason for the disqualification so they can discuss and work on the issue.

Under no circumstance is a parent or swimmer to approach an official or question an official’s decision. The officials are certified volunteers helping the sport and doing the best job they can. The coaches will handle any questions or discussion about a decision with the Team Representative who is the only person who may discuss an issue with the meet referee. Parents who interfere with an official or disrupt the meet will be asked to leave the pool area.

What to Bring to a Meet

We suggest the following items be brought to each meet:

• Folding lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on
• Pop-up tent (depending on the venue there may be limited space so we encourage families to share a tent)
• Towels
• Team Swim Cap
• Sunscreen and Bug Repellent
• Drinks (water or sports drink; swimmers should stay away from carbonated drinks)
• Healthy snacks
• Sharpie markers
• Money for concessions

All belongings should be labeled with the swimmer’s name or family name.

Ribbons and Awards

Event Ribbons will be distributed the week following the meet. Please check the "Ribbon Box" (usually found on the counter of the Lifeguard Shack) during practice. Season awards will be presented at the year-end party.