What are Prelims & Finals

Some swim meets, especially for swimmers 13 and older, may have two sessions:

Prelims (Morning)

• Every swimmer races once.
• Preliminary times determine who advances to finals.

Finals (Evening)

• The fastest swimmers race again.
• Finals determine final placings, medals, and team points.

Some meets also require Positive Check-In, where swimmers confirm they will race before a specified deadline.

Always check the meet package to see which events include prelims, finals, or positive check-in.

Who Moves On to Finals

After prelims, swimmers are ranked by their times.

Who advances depends on:

• Pool size (8-lane vs. 10-lane)
• Meet format

Many meets have:

• A Final – races for medals and top placings
• B Final – next fastest swimmers

Final lineups can change after scratches, so swimmers should check posted finals heat sheets before leaving the morning session.

Alternates

Each final usually has two alternates.

If a finalist scratches or does not report on time, an alternate may take their place.

Alternates should:

• Attend the finals session.
• Warm up with their team.
• Marshal for their event.

If every finalist reports, alternates are dismissed before the race.

Ties & Swim-Offs

A swim-off is used when swimmers tie for the final qualifying or alternate position.

Swimmers may:

• Race in a swim-off.
• Concede and accept an alternate position (if available).
• Scratch from the swim-off.

Swim-offs are often some of the most exciting races of the meet!

Scratches & No Shows

If a swimmer does not plan to swim in finals, they must scratch, even if they are unsure whether they qualified.

Scratching allows:

• Finalists to move up.
• Alternates to become finalists.
• Additional swim-offs to be avoided when possible.

Common scratch deadlines include:

• 30 minutes after event results are posted.
• 30 minutes after the preliminary session ends.
• 30 minutes after the final preliminary event.

Always confirm deadlines in the meet package. No-shows in finals may result in financial penalties depending on the meet.

Distance Events

Not every event has prelims and finals.

Timed Finals are completed in a single swim, with final placings determined by time.

These often include:

• 400 m
• 800 m
• 1500 m

Depending on the meet, distance events may be swum:

• During the preliminary session.
• With the fastest heat swimming during finals.

The Finals Experience

Finals sessions create a unique atmosphere with:

• Music and team spirit.
• Exciting head-to-head racing.
• Awards and recognition.
• Special ceremonies, such as swimmer introductions or the national anthem.

For swimmers, finals are an opportunity to race under pressure, compete against the fastest qualifiers, and experience some of the most memorable moments of a swim meet.