My first meet after 31 yrs and I have a few questions. What are phsyche sheets? I will be swimming 500 and maybe a 1650, do they have lap counters or will I need to provide my own? Will they typically have someone who will flip the counter or do I also need to provide someone?
Former Member
My first meet after 31 yrs and I have a few questions. What are phsyche sheets? I will be swimming 500 and maybe a 1650, do they have lap counters or will I need to provide my own? Will they typically have someone who will flip the counter or do I also need to provide someone?
You'll probably need someone to count for you--usually the pool has he counting boards. Psyche sheets how you where you are in the order of times entered, and who you can aim to race.
Have a great race....or two :D
Thanks for the advice. I swim un-attached with no formal coaching and my workouts come off the net but I love this sport and I love to race. Thanks again for the encouragement
I have been to enough of these meets in the past by my self and I have needed to find a counter too many times to count. You will find Masters swimmers are very friendly and will be more than willing to help if you ask them. It is also a great way to make a lot of friends at the same time. Just offer to count for them when it is their turn and you'll be taken care of.
Have a great meet.
There is always someone willing to count at Masters meets. Or, bring a relative or friend to count for you. Then again, that could be dangerous because a guy had his wife and brother count for him and he did an extra 50 in the 800 and miscounted his 1500. I am sure that someone will be able to count for you. Heck, sometimes, random people will start counting for complete strangers.
I have not been to a meet that provide lap counters and I have been to a couple meets that require you provide a timer as well as a counter for the mile. If the mile is on a separate day, plan on bringing two people with you.
You are not required to use a counter, so if you are comfortable swimming without one, that is an option. I have been in a race where someone stopped early, the official let them know, and they continued on to finish the race. I wouldn't count on that, and since you like to race, that wouldn't be good for you time, but there is a bit of a safety net.
It is all rather laid back compared to age group swimming.
The one thing I would recommend for your first meet back (I took a 10 year break myself) is to not be shy about asking questions at the meet. Personally I've found masters swimming to be the friendliest sporting organization I've ever been around. Other swimmers, coaches, and people working the meet will be able to help you figure out what's going on or help you find a counter if you need one.
Good luck with your races! With a 1650 and a 500 you're definitely getting your money's worth out of this meet :)
