email: mslchamps@gmail.com

Photo: Leslie Lindell

The Championship Meet is the exciting culmination of the Marin Swim League season.  On the last day of the season, all of the teams in the league will converge at the Indian Valley College (IVC) Campus Pool for one big 10-team swim meet.  The results will determine the final team standings for the year.

All swimmers who have participated in a minimum of three dual meets during the season are eligible to swim at Champs.  Every swimmer should plan on representing his and her team at this major event.

The meet lasts all day and is divided into two sessions.  The 8 & unders and the 9/10s will swim in the morning and the older age groups in the afternoon.  Many families will only need to be there for one session.  We hope this will make it possible for everyone to attend.

Details of the meet format and a timeline of events are presented below.  The events are the same as for a dual meet. However, the order of heats is reversed.  The slower heats start first, working up to the fastest-seeded swimmers in the final heat.

Points are awarded to the teams for swimmers who place first through sixteenth in each event.  Swimmers in all heats are eligible to place.  For the individual events, medals are awarded to 1st through 8th places and ribbons for places 9 through 16.  In addition, there is a special ribbon for the winner of each heat.  In the relays, 1st, 2nd and 3rd are awarded special medals.  High point trophies are awarded to the top 3 swimmers in each age group for both boys and girls.

Team Trophies will be awarded for the teams taking 1st through 5th places.

Because of the size and length of this event it is very important that parents ensure that their swimmers get a good night’s sleep before the meet. During the meet it is very important that everyone pay attention and help get the swimmers to their events on time. Swimmers and spectators should stay hydrated and use plenty of sunscreen. The snack bar will be open all day, hosted by the Strawberry Seals.

This year, the parking available at IVC will be drastically reduced from what it has been in previous years. Everyone should read the parking information.  In addition to important information about parking, you will find:

• Approximate time line of events
• Volunteer job descriptions
• Information on advertising in the 2009 Champs program
• Information about pre-ordering Champs Apparel and Gear

We look forward to seeing you at the meet.
Until then, for more Best Times, keep swimming!

Terra Linda Orcas
Your Host for the 2009 Championship Meet