DUCK COMPETITION FAQ’s

Q. What does LCM and SCM refer to?
A. LCM refers to Long Course Meters, and is a 50 meter pool. SCM refers to Short Course Meters and is a 25 meter pool, like the pools that we train in regularily in Aurora.

What do I need to bring to the pool?
A. 2 towels (one for poolside and one for post/shower), deck shoes (keep feet as warm and dry as possible all day), racing suit, cap (if worn) , 2 pairs of goggles (be sure to tighten straps from regular training to current/racing), water (little sips only - NOT a lot), t-shirt. sweatshirt + pants (you must stay warm and dry all day) and food.

Q. Should I eat during a meet?
A. Over the course of a day, you will need to stay fed and hydrated. Each person's needs are different, but remember that dairy takes as little longer to digest so watch that. Protein is good and necessary and you will also need carbs of course. These should both be taken care of for breakfast (2-3 hours before start of competition). The meet is a full day, so you will need to touch up fuel supply with: fruit, almonds, half tuna/salmon sandwich at the break. Key is to feel strong and STAY fuelled.

Q. Do I need a special bathing cap?
A. Yes, you will need a Ducks cap. If you don’t have one to race in, you can purchase one for $8 in advance or on deck from Tania or Team Manager. Oh, if you don’t’ wear a cap at all, you don’t need to start now!

Q. Do I need a special suit?
A. It is preferable that you are wearing either a Ducks suit or a race suit, but if this is your first season racing then wear a tighter suit that is comfortable (and black). Speak to your coach before purchasing a racing suit though, as there are strict rules that dictate what type of suit you can race in.

Q. Am I swimming in a relay? If so, how do I know when & where it is?
A. Since you signed up for a meet, there’s a pretty good chance you’re in a relay. Relays will be sent to the team in advance. Additionally, the coaches on deck will have a list of relays and be able to tell you which ones and where you are swimming.

Q. How early do I need to be there on the day that I’m racing?
A. You want to get there in time to check in, get changed and find the team area (A coach will usually be there early to set up). Ideally you get into the warm up early/on time so that you have time to practice dives/starts (Nancy will supervise and explain WHERE you can do that - do NOT enter warm up lanes with dive until you are shown the lane AND time that you may do so) and warm up in the appropriate end (deep or shallow)

Q. What do I do for my warm up? How do I know which lane to go in?
A. You might not be used to swimming in a lane with about 15 people. ONE thing to remember is YOUR warm up is important, so don't just let the others 'do their thing'. Another point is to finish your length and MOVE OUT OF THE WAY (or do your turn). It's the ENDS of the pool during warm ups that get confusing. Do not obstruct ~ be aware of this from a safety AND etiquette point of view. Typically, you might do about 1200-1500m warm up including about 300m of loose kicking, 400m of drill work, some mixed stroke work and build 50s. NO ONE is to sprint in warm up (you might see others do this - they are wrong to expend that energy source). When you DIVE (practice start) ONLY do 4 strokes and move safely and quickly to the side/get out (beware of swimmers sprinting up behind you).

Q. Do I really need to warm down?
A. You should warm down 300-600 metres after each swim.

Q. How do I know when I am swimming?
A. You will get a card that lists all of your individual events, along with your heat and lane assignment. You can reference that information with the heat sheets (everyone gets copy) AND the posted schedule. Nancy will have a copy on deck and be able to give you an estimated swim time – know ONE thing: be around before relays – it’s REALLY hard to go looking for someone during the craziness of relays!

Q. Do I have to dive?
A. No, you can start from IN the water or do a smaller dive from side (except for relays).

Q. Am I swimming in a lane with someone else for the 1500 and 800 free?
A. There is the possibility that you will be sharing a lane for these distance events. Should this be the case, you will just need to stay on one side of the lane for the entire race.

Q. Will someone count my lengths?
A. For the 1500 and 800 we have counters and fellow team members will also help. During the race, when you have 50m to go, they will clang a bell in your ears from the end of the pool. Um, please don’t stop - that means you are ALMOST done!

Q. How do I know when to start?
A. The referee will blow a whistle for all the swimmers to get up on the blocks. Then they will say:”Swimmers take your marks”, and then the starting ‘gun’ will sound – that’s when you GO!

Q. What is a false start? How do I know if I have false started?
A. A false start is when one (or more) of the swimmers moves on the blocks or dives in before the starting gun has sounded. The referees will blow whistles and a ‘false start rope’ will be dropped into the pool that will stop any swimmers that don’t hear the whistles. Then all swimmers will be lined up again and started all at once.

CMSW 1.02. False Start Procedures
a) The One False Start Rule shall apply. That is, any swimmer who commits a false start during the second or subsequent attempt at a start shall be disqualified.
b) If the disqualification is declared before the starting signal is given, the starting signal shall not be given.
c) If a false start is committed on the first attempt at a start, the swimmers shall be recalled. The Starter shall then announce “Swimmers, this is your second start.” The race shall then revert to the Referee.
d) On the second or subsequent start, if the starting signal is given before a disqualification is
declared, the race shall continue and the swimmer or swimmers shall be disqualified upon

Q. When do I jump in the water for Backstroke start?
A. When the referee blows the whistle, and you’ll see the other swimmers in your heat jump in as well.

Q. What do I do after my race?
A. Because of the large numbers at meets, they are likely to do a “DIVE OVER” start. That simply means that when you are finished, you stay in the water until the next head goes (dives over). THEN you hustle your butt out, either at the end of your lane or to the side/ladder (be careful not to touch the time pads of other lanes). Get out and be proud of yourself. Depending on how busy things are, talk to your coach immediately then go warm down (you might have to do that in reverse, but both are important).

Q. If I’m on a relay, how do I know what order to swim in?
A. On your relay card it will list the order of swimmers. Remember for MEDLEY relays, the order is slightly different than an IM (individual medley). In the relay it goes: Back, Breast, Fly, Free.

Q. What if I miss my event? Can I scratch an event?
A. Be sure NOT to miss your event!! If you have an emergency and need to scratch an event, speak to your coach – otherwise, no, you are not allowed to scratch an event.

Q. Can I stop and touch the bottom or the sides of the pool in a race?
A. No.

Q. Do I have to do flip-turns for my freestyle race?
A. No. You can do ‘open turns’ for your freestyle race if you choose.

Q. What’s included in my entry fees?
A. The initial fee that you paid covers your swim meet entry, individual event(s) and possibly the social (if you are going).

Q. What do I do if my goggles fall off? Will I get disqualified?
A. Keep swimming!! No, you won’t get disqualified for losing your goggles. Before your race you’ll want to tighten them up really tight so that they don’t fall off (much tighter than you would normally have them on at practice).

Q. What can I expect?
A. Lots of fun, swimming, cheering and general excitement. Bring towels, water and food and good spirits and you’ll be all set to go!

Q. What if I’m not ready?
A. You’re ready. You’ve been to the practices; you’ve put in the work, now it’s time for the fun!

Q. Do I need to bring money?
A. Yes, you should bring some cash in case you see T-shirts or souvenirs that you want to purchase, or also for food or bathing caps should you need either (the Olympium has a tuck shop for swim gear).

Q. Can my family and friends come to watch?
A. Yes, of course.

Q. Can I stay and watch other events than my own?
A. Again, of course!! And if you want ‘front row seating’ you can also be a timer or volunteer to help out in other ways – talk to your coach if you're interested/available in volunteering during the meet.

Q. Is it okay to cheer for others on our team?
A. ABSOLUTELY: PLEASE DO!!!

Q. Is face painting acceptable?
A. :-)