New to competitive swimming? Here are some common terms to help you understand the language of the sport.

Meet Terms

Heat – A group of swimmers racing the same event at the same time.

Lane – The designated area where a swimmer races.

Seed Time – A swimmer’s entry time used to place them into heats and lanes.

Event – A specific race (example: 100 Freestyle, 200 IM).

Entry – The events a swimmer is scheduled to compete in at a meet.

Scratch – When a swimmer is removed from an event.

Relay – A race where four swimmers each complete a portion of the event.

Split – The time a swimmer completes for part of a race, often used for relay legs.

DQ (Disqualification) – When a swimmer does not complete an event according to the stroke rules.

Finals – A second round of racing where top swimmers compete again after preliminaries.

Timed Finals – When the final results are determined from one swim.

Practice & Training Terms

IM (Individual Medley) – A race that includes all four strokes in this order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.

SCY (Short Course Yards) – Swimming in a 25-yard pool.

LCM (Long Course Meters) – Swimming in a 50-meter pool.

Yardage – The total distance swum during practice.

Set – A group of swims planned by the coach.

Interval – The amount of time allowed to complete a swim and begin the next one.

Pace – The speed a swimmer maintains during training.

Taper – A period of reduced training before a championship meet to help swimmers rest and perform their best.

Equipment Terms

Kickboard – A board used to isolate and strengthen kicking.

Pull Buoy – A flotation device used to focus on upper-body pulling.

Fins – Swim fins used to build strength, speed, and technique.

Paddles – Hand paddles used to improve pulling strength and stroke awareness.

Snorkel – A training tool that allows swimmers to focus on body position and technique.

Team Terms

PAC (Parent Advisory Committee) – Parent volunteers who support the team through fundraising, events, communication, and family support. The PAC does not coach swimmers or make coaching decisions.

Official – A trained volunteer who helps ensure races follow swimming rules.

Stroke & Turn Judge – An official who watches swimmers’ strokes and turns for rule compliance.

Championship Meet – A higher-level meet where swimmers compete for qualifying times, awards, and team recognition.

Cuts/Qualifying Times – Time standards required to participate in certain championship meets.

National Qualifier – A swimmer who achieves a time standard required for a national-level meet.

Parent Tip

Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything at first! Every swim parent was new once. Ask questions, attend meets, and enjoy watching your swimmer grow through the sport.