Entry Forms
The entry forms found in the Splashmaster newsletter contain all the relevant information for participating in the meets hosted, sponsored, or sanctioned by Inland NW Masters Swimming.
The entry forms have a list of events, which is the order of events that will be followed at the meet. Because our meets are relatively small (30-60 swimmers), they move along quickly (wrapping up in 3-5 hours). It is suggested that you do not sign up for back-to-back events unless there is a break listed between the events. Many of the events, such as the 200s or the 100s of each other than Freestyle, will most likely only have one heat. Therefore if you are swimming in the first heat of the next event, you would get very little or no rest. If you will be attending your first meet, it is suggested that you speak with a coach or an experienced meet swimmer to get some ideas on what to expect.
Pre-Entry or Deck Entry
Pre-entering a swim meet (filling out an entry form and sending it with your check) is always the best way to enter a meet. You will be seeded with swimmers of your similar ability and times. In addition, you will also be allowed to enter five events at a cost of $10. Deck entering a meet (that is signing up for your events when you arrive at the meet) means that you will be seeded in a preliminary heat with swimmers that may or may not be of similar ability. In addition, you will be limited to only four events, and the cost is $15.
Workouts and Routines
It is suggested that you do not dramatically change your workout or routine prior to a meet. If you normally drink coffee before you swim in the morning and you will be participating in a morning meet, then you should continue your pattern of drinking coffee. This suggestion also pertains to other dietary patterns, be they good or bad patterns.
Have Fun
Only a small percentage of United States Masters Swimming registered swimmers participate in swim meets. The goal of providing meets is not to compete with other swimmers, but to test yourself and to see how you have improved. Remember that as we age up, maintaining your times is great, bettering your times means your ahead of the curve. It is suggested that you don't compare your masters swim times to times you had in college or high school 10, 20, or 30 years ago. Plan and set goals for the future, don't compare yourself to the past.
Inland Northwest Masters meets are fun events. They are a chance to talk with other swimmers from around the area and learn about their training patterns, and the factors in their lives that affect their swimming.
| Meets outside our LMSC If you are surfing the Web or receive information through the Splashmaster about meets in neighboring LMSCs, don't be shy about attending those meets. Most LMSCs and meet hosts eagerly welcome swimmers from outside their area. Remember when you travel to one of those "away" meets to take along your USMS Registration card. It proves you are a USMS registered member. In addition, most meet hosts want you to send a copy of your registration card along with your entry. There is not a system for meet directors to verify your registration on a national registery. |
page updated June 11, 2005
Inland Northwest Masters Swimming—the local masters swimming committee of United States Masters Swimming. Serving fitness and competitive swimmers in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. For corrections and updates to this site, please contact the Web Master |
