Swimming Etiquette

Please Read and Follow The Rules Posted Below

1. Respect Other Swimmer’s Belongings 

Swim meets can be crowded and when they are, space is limited. This makes it hard at times to find a place to sit and put your belongings. 

It’s tempting to push swim bags off to make room for yourself or step all over someone’s towel. And some swimmers will! But it’s poor swim meet etiquette and you’re more likely to be yelled at for it. 

2. Mind the Designated Lanes

All meets have designated lanes for starts and turns.

It’s important and in good form to acknowledge what each lane is designated for. If the lane is for pacing only, don’t get into the lane if you don’t plan to pace. This makes it frustrating for the swimmers who need to use the lane for its specific purpose.

3. Be Mindful of Other Swimmers in the Pool 

As best you can, be mindful of the other swimmers in the pool. Whether that’s during general warm-up or in the cool down/warm-up pool.

And yes, we know. General warm-up is like a free for all brawl. And the cool down pool isn’t much better. They’re typically crowded beyond capacity, making it difficult to do anything and you’re usually kicked more than once.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t show respect at the same time. 

Take care not to jump on another swimmer when entering the water. If you can, let those know on the wall that you’re planning on getting in. And don’t push off in front of someone else if they’re sprinting and you’re not. 

4. Don’t Sit on the Wall

It’s both practice and swim meet etiquette, but don’t sit on the wall. The pools are already crowded enough as it is. And for those who need to warm up, swimmers sitting on the wall get in the way.

It’s disrespectful to other swimmers and you’re more likely to have someone flip turn on you. Or run into you on a finish. And you’ll be at fault. 

5. Don’t Block the Deck Space

Again, we know this is a hard one. Deck space is often limited at most pools and between coaches, swimmers, and officials walking around, it’s easy for traffic jams to occur.

But part of having good etiquette at a swim meet is being aware of your surroundings.

Don’t stop or stand in the middle of the walkways where people are walking. Just as you shouldn’t be looking at your phone and trying to walk at the same time. You tend to slow down or run into people.

6. Practice Good Sportsmanship 

It should go without saying, but put your best self forward. At swim meets and at practice! 

No one likes watching or listening to a swimmer with an inflated ego or someone who constantly puts down others. It’s in bad taste and it’s lousy swim meet etiquette. You’re more likely to drive people away with a bad attitude.