Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:what is this "time board"? At our MCSL meets, there's a runner who gets the sheets at the end of the event from all the lanes, and then they bring it to automation. Then after they've been entered and checked, automation prints out the results and they get taped up somewhere nearby.

They are boards that hang above each lane at the timers’ end. They typically have wheels that are adjusted to show the swimmer’s time.

Do you have a link to a picture online of what these might look like? I've never seen something like this. I've seen the big electronic boards at indoor PV competitions, sure, hooked up to the timing mats, but I don't think I've ever seen what you describe and my googling so far has fallen flat.

Like this? They look super old school

http://m.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2019/jun/26/victory-nvsl-division-iv-opening-home-meet/

Interesting, thank you for the link!
I guess I'm trying to figure out the timeline of when this would happen. For any event that is 50m or more, the swimmers finish, then the timers write down the times on the clipboard, and then these 6 boards get changed, but at the same time, the next event is almost or just about to start and the finishing swimmers are dispersing? I'd say between the time the last swimmer finishes and the next one starts is only about 10s or so typically.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:what is this "time board"? At our MCSL meets, there's a runner who gets the sheets at the end of the event from all the lanes, and then they bring it to automation. Then after they've been entered and checked, automation prints out the results and they get taped up somewhere nearby.

They are boards that hang above each lane at the timers’ end. They typically have wheels that are adjusted to show the swimmer’s time.

Do you have a link to a picture online of what these might look like? I've never seen something like this. I've seen the big electronic boards at indoor PV competitions, sure, hooked up to the timing mats, but I don't think I've ever seen what you describe and my googling so far has fallen flat.

Like this? They look super old school

http://m.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2019/jun/26/victory-nvsl-division-iv-opening-home-meet/

Interesting, thank you for the link!
I guess I'm trying to figure out the timeline of when this would happen. For any event that is 50m or more, the swimmers finish, then the timers write down the times on the clipboard, and then these 6 boards get changed, but at the same time, the next event is almost or just about to start and the finishing swimmers are dispersing? I'd say between the time the last swimmer finishes and the next one starts is only about 10s or so typically.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:what is this "time board"? At our MCSL meets, there's a runner who gets the sheets at the end of the event from all the lanes, and then they bring it to automation. Then after they've been entered and checked, automation prints out the results and they get taped up somewhere nearby.

They are boards that hang above each lane at the timers’ end. They typically have wheels that are adjusted to show the swimmer’s time.

Do you have a link to a picture online of what these might look like? I've never seen something like this. I've seen the big electronic boards at indoor PV competitions, sure, hooked up to the timing mats, but I don't think I've ever seen what you describe and my googling so far has fallen flat.

Like this? They look super old school

http://m.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2019/jun/26/victory-nvsl-division-iv-opening-home-meet/

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:what is this "time board"? At our MCSL meets, there's a runner who gets the sheets at the end of the event from all the lanes, and then they bring it to automation. Then after they've been entered and checked, automation prints out the results and they get taped up somewhere nearby.

They are boards that hang above each lane at the timers’ end. They typically have wheels that are adjusted to show the swimmer’s time.

Do you have a link to a picture online of what these might look like? I've never seen something like this. I've seen the big electronic boards at indoor PV competitions, sure, hooked up to the timing mats, but I don't think I've ever seen what you describe and my googling so far has fallen flat.

Like this? They look super old school

http://m.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2019/jun/26/victory-nvsl-division-iv-opening-home-meet/

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:what is this "time board"? At our MCSL meets, there's a runner who gets the sheets at the end of the event from all the lanes, and then they bring it to automation. Then after they've been entered and checked, automation prints out the results and they get taped up somewhere nearby.

They are boards that hang above each lane at the timers’ end. They typically have wheels that are adjusted to show the swimmer’s time.

Do you have a link to a picture online of what these might look like? I've never seen something like this. I've seen the big electronic boards at indoor PV competitions, sure, hooked up to the timing mats, but I don't think I've ever seen what you describe and my googling so far has fallen flat.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:what is this "time board"? At our MCSL meets, there's a runner who gets the sheets at the end of the event from all the lanes, and then they bring it to automation. Then after they've been entered and checked, automation prints out the results and they get taped up somewhere nearby.

They are boards that hang above each lane at the timers’ end. They typically have wheels that are adjusted to show the swimmer’s time.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


Ah, thanks. Maybe it is the IM that makes the difference. It seemed impossible that if my son couldn't make a regular A meet that they would qualify for divisionals, but maybe since they add an additional event it shifts everything around.


If teams can’t fill their spots other teams can bid in swimmers. That could make a difference.

It's kind of an awkward process. If your kid is an alternate, they go to the warmups and then wait for their actual event, which is "filled" about 10 minutes before they actually move over to clerk of course and then swim. They will stand there as each kid shows up and checks in. If someone doesn't show up, your kid may get a spot. 9 times out of 10, all the kids show up and it's kind of a womp womp see ya later, but there have been instances where a kid gets sick during the meet or something happens and your kid could get a chance. Kind of a strange mind game, imho.

FWIW, our team typically has 2 alternates for each event, but it's obvious even when warmups start if there's even a shot of this happening. Divisionals is kind of a bizarre meet. The teams and team areas are there, but they way it goes I find it very similar to a Winter Meet - people come and go, and there's very little "team" going on.

I am the previous poster. I had no idea that my alternate kid was expected to show up. I have no interest in waking my 8 year old up that early and dealing with that potential disappointment. I figured we would know the night before. Is that really what is expected?!

no- PP is describing the all star alternate process not the divisionals alternate process. Being an 'alternate' in divisionals at this point is kind of irrelevant. A team can designate as many alternates as they want- and some teams don't even tell kids they are designated as alternates. There is a 'bid-in' process for divisionals which impacts alternates. If your kid had gotten a bid in you would already know it. Each time is allowed 10 substitutions at divisionals. Our team certainly doesn't expect 'alternates' to show up at divisionals. If the team is aware that a kid is out by tonight I'm sure they will call you and let you know to come. Is there a small chance that your kid could swim if they show up? Sure- someone in the right age group might not make it. The same way that it 'can' happen on any given Saturday meet. Commonly these unexpected empty lanes end up filled by siblings who are 'in the right place at the right time.' My kid who is coming to watch siblings and friends at divisonals will bring a suit in case there is an opening- but he knows its pretty unlikely.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


Ah, thanks. Maybe it is the IM that makes the difference. It seemed impossible that if my son couldn't make a regular A meet that they would qualify for divisionals, but maybe since they add an additional event it shifts everything around.


If teams can’t fill their spots other teams can bid in swimmers. That could make a difference.

It's kind of an awkward process. If your kid is an alternate, they go to the warmups and then wait for their actual event, which is "filled" about 10 minutes before they actually move over to clerk of course and then swim. They will stand there as each kid shows up and checks in. If someone doesn't show up, your kid may get a spot. 9 times out of 10, all the kids show up and it's kind of a womp womp see ya later, but there have been instances where a kid gets sick during the meet or something happens and your kid could get a chance. Kind of a strange mind game, imho.

FWIW, our team typically has 2 alternates for each event, but it's obvious even when warmups start if there's even a shot of this happening. Divisionals is kind of a bizarre meet. The teams and team areas are there, but they way it goes I find it very similar to a Winter Meet - people come and go, and there's very little "team" going on.

I am the previous poster. I had no idea that my alternate kid was expected to show up. I have no interest in waking my 8 year old up that early and dealing with that potential disappointment. I figured we would know the night before. Is that really what is expected?!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


Ah, thanks. Maybe it is the IM that makes the difference. It seemed impossible that if my son couldn't make a regular A meet that they would qualify for divisionals, but maybe since they add an additional event it shifts everything around.


If teams can’t fill their spots other teams can bid in swimmers. That could make a difference.

It's kind of an awkward process. If your kid is an alternate, they go to the warmups and then wait for their actual event, which is "filled" about 10 minutes before they actually move over to clerk of course and then swim. They will stand there as each kid shows up and checks in. If someone doesn't show up, your kid may get a spot. 9 times out of 10, all the kids show up and it's kind of a womp womp see ya later, but there have been instances where a kid gets sick during the meet or something happens and your kid could get a chance. Kind of a strange mind game, imho.

FWIW, our team typically has 2 alternates for each event, but it's obvious even when warmups start if there's even a shot of this happening. Divisionals is kind of a bizarre meet. The teams and team areas are there, but they way it goes I find it very similar to a Winter Meet - people come and go, and there's very little "team" going on.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


Ah, thanks. Maybe it is the IM that makes the difference. It seemed impossible that if my son couldn't make a regular A meet that they would qualify for divisionals, but maybe since they add an additional event it shifts everything around.


If teams can’t fill their spots other teams can bid in swimmers. That could make a difference.

It's kind of an awkward process. If your kid is an alternate, they go to the warmups and then wait for their actual event, which is "filled" about 10 minutes before they actually move over to clerk of course and then swim. They will stand there as each kid shows up and checks in. If someone doesn't show up, your kid may get a spot. 9 times out of 10, all the kids show up and it's kind of a womp womp see ya later, but there have been instances where a kid gets sick during the meet or something happens and your kid could get a chance. Kind of a strange mind game, imho.

FWIW, our team typically has 2 alternates for each event, but it's obvious even when warmups start if there's even a shot of this happening. Divisionals is kind of a bizarre meet. The teams and team areas are there, but they way it goes I find it very similar to a Winter Meet - people come and go, and there's very little "team" going on.

Anonymous wrote:


Ah, thanks. Maybe it is the IM that makes the difference. It seemed impossible that if my son couldn't make a regular A meet that they would qualify for divisionals, but maybe since they add an additional event it shifts everything around.


If teams can’t fill their spots other teams can bid in swimmers. That could make a difference.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone explain to me how swimmers are picked for Divisionals? My son barely made A meets all summer (sometimes he did and sometimes he didn't depending on who was in town), so I assumed that there was no chance he would swim since he couldnt make the top 3 swimmers, let alone the top 2. But we were told he is an alternate. Do teams have 3 levels deep of alternates? Are there different rules for the number of events a person can swim at Divisions vs a typical A meet? Isn't it just the top 2 kids in each event? He's no where close to that.

Each kid can only swim at most 2 events. And IMs are added for divisionals/all stars. If your child is the 4th fastest swimmer in freestyle, but the first and second fastest swimmers choose not to swim freestyle, your child can swim it. It all depends on what the faster swimmers choose.

Ah, thanks. Maybe it is the IM that makes the difference. It seemed impossible that if my son couldn't make a regular A meet that they would qualify for divisionals, but maybe since they add an additional event it shifts everything around.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone explain to me how swimmers are picked for Divisionals? My son barely made A meets all summer (sometimes he did and sometimes he didn't depending on who was in town), so I assumed that there was no chance he would swim since he couldnt make the top 3 swimmers, let alone the top 2. But we were told he is an alternate. Do teams have 3 levels deep of alternates? Are there different rules for the number of events a person can swim at Divisions vs a typical A meet? Isn't it just the top 2 kids in each event? He's no where close to that.

Each kid can only swim at most 2 events. And IMs are added for divisionals/all stars. If your child is the 4th fastest swimmer in freestyle, but the first and second fastest swimmers choose not to swim freestyle, your child can swim it. It all depends on what the faster swimmers choose.

Anonymous wrote:Can someone explain to me how swimmers are picked for Divisionals? My son barely made A meets all summer (sometimes he did and sometimes he didn't depending on who was in town), so I assumed that there was no chance he would swim since he couldnt make the top 3 swimmers, let alone the top 2. But we were told he is an alternate. Do teams have 3 levels deep of alternates? Are there different rules for the number of events a person can swim at Divisions vs a typical A meet? Isn't it just the top 2 kids in each event? He's no where close to that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On a related note, is that what they are called - time boards? Our pool needs new ones and I have not been able to find them for sale.

We bought ours from a company on Fairfax. It’s stamped on the back of the boards. When I am down at the pool I’ll try to remember to look.

Thank you! I’ve been baffled by how difficult they are to track down.

Ok. I checked. The label says MC Services Incorporated, Fairfax
703-352-1711

Thank you so much!!