These questions have been compiled from the ones we hear over and over again. Hopefully they will answer some of yours.  If not, ask the Coaches or Meet Manager your question.  I'm sure they'll find an answer for it - somewhere.

1. Do we practice in the rain? Even in heavy rain?

This question always ranks number one and the answer is YES! Rain is water and when you’re swimming, you're in the water anyway, so wet is wet – right?  The only ones who get "rain wet" during rainy practices are the coaches.  Parents usually seek cover.  The only time a practice is called on account of rain is during a thunderstorm.

This also means that meets, too, are held in the rain.  But we haven't had rain on a Summer Saturday morning in years.  In these situations everyone gets wet, except the chickens.

2. Do we practice if the weather is chilly?

Practice is still on in chilly weather.  If the water temperature falls below 70° F then the coaches will have swimmers doing land exercises such as stretching and running.

3. Who do we call to find out if a practice or a meet is cancelled?

If you really have questions about a practice, call the Head Coach or try the Pool at 301-262-3349.  

4. What if my child cannot make a meet?

If your child cannot make a meet, please notify the coaches as soon as possible, particularly if they are already scheduled to swim.  Please notify the coaches also, if for some reason your child will be late to a meet.

5. What should the swimmers eat before and during a meet – what should they avoid?

Your swimmer should eat foods rich in carbohydrates.  Carbohydrates are classified into starches, which are found mainly in grains, legumes (beans), and tubers (potatoes); and sugars, which are found in plants and fruits.  The carbohydrates containing the most nutrients are found in unrefined grains, tubers, vegetables, and fruit, which also provide protein, vitamins, minerals, and fats.  Carbohydrates are burned during metabolism to produce energy.

Avoid foods made from refined sugar, such as candy and soft drinks, which are high in calories but low in nutrients and fill the body with what nutritionists call empty calories.

Before a meet, eat a light breakfast such as cereal, toast or fruits, enough to give you some energy, but not so much that you feel too "full"to swim.  During the meet you may also want to snack on fruits or foods containing grains to sustain your energy.

And…drink plenty of water!  It gets pretty hot on that pool deck between events.  Also stay in the shade and wear sunscreen.

6. What should swimmers keep in their swim bags?

Their bathing suit, towel and goggles are essential.  At least two pair of goggles is highly recommended.  Many a time goggle straps or nosepieces have broken during a meet.  Not to mention being misplaced.

For girls especially, bathing caps are essential to keep the hair under control.  The rubber caps will also help to keep your head warm and lessen heat loss.

Since summer can be chilly, especially after getting out of a cold pool, sweat pants, sweat shirt or T-shirts are also good items to pack.  Maybe a hat.

Sun Screen!

Healthful snacks, water, and boredom busters to pass the time between events are also good to have in your swim bag.

7. What is a B Meet?

B Meets are open to swimmers of any age group who have not previously placed 1st or 2nd in a prior meet.  The swim club hosting the B Meet, however, may add or modify criterion for participation in the meet.  When BSR is involved in any B Meets, the swim coaches will have the necessary info for that meet and will notify swimmers at practice who qualify to participate.  Usually all swimmers who do not score in A Meets are welcome to swim in B Meets.

8. What is a Mini-Meet?

Mini-Meets are open to swimmers age 8 and under.  In a Mini-Meet, swimmers 8 and under may swim the fly stroke.  BSR holds a mini-Meet at the end of July for all the 8 and Unders -- Minnows, Dolphins, and Sharks who participated on the Mini-Team.