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What is SMI?
SMI stands for Smoky Mountain Invitational and is hosted by the Maryville-Alcoa Flying Dolphins. It is the largest outdoor swim event in the southern United States. SMI routinely hosts more than 30 area swim teams with more than 1,500 swimmers. The event takes place at Springbrook Pool in Alcoa, TN. Between 3,000 and 4,000 people are in attendance during the whole weekend.

What time does the meet start?
Teams begin to arrive at Springbrook Pool at 6:00 a.m. Practice times begin at 7:00 a.m. The meet officially starts at 8:45 a.m. and continues until all events are swam. No full event will be started after 8:30 p.m. Expect to spend the entire weekend at Springbrook Pool.

When do my kids swim at SMI?
All 11 and older swimmers swim on Saturday. All 10 and unders swim on Sunday.

How are events run at SMI?
Beginning at 8:45 a.m., events will start to be run. There is a main Clerk of Course area where your swimmer will report when their events are called by the announcer. The event number that is currently racing in the pool is posted on the diving well near the starter. If a swimmer misses their event, there are no make-ups. Swimmers and their parents must be listening to the announcer for when to report to Clerk of Course.

What is a heat sheet?
A heat sheet is a listing of all events and when swimmers are swimming in those events for the entire day. The heat sheet is sold at the Information Tent for $5. Included in the heat sheet this year are several games and a chance to win an iPod shuffle during the SMI Scavenger Hunt. There are two separate heat sheets - one for Saturday and one for Sunday.

Where does my swimmer go during SMI?
All teams have their own tent area. The Dolphins area is located next to the pump house behind the diving well. It is a good idea to bring plenty of things to do for the swimmers while they are waiting for their next event. Cards, games, electronic games, etc. are a good idea to have on hand. Parents of swimmers are asked to surround the team tent with chairs and be present in the tent to help make sure swimmers get to their events. It is also a good idea to bring a sleeping bag or blanket to lay on and rest between events. It is very important that all the swimmers stay in their team tent during SMI.

What are other suggestions you have during the meet?
Bring plenty of sunscreen, games, lawn chairs, magazines and books to read. It is a long day, however the meet runs very quickly and your swimmer will be going to and from the clerk of course often. Also, pay close attention to the announcer so you do not miss your events. You might also bring a change of clothes for your swimmer, or a sweatshirt. It is a bit chilly in the morning, and after kids get out of the pool, they will be cold.

Where do I go for other information during the day?
There is an information tent located directly in the middle of the entrance once arriving at the pool. This is where SMI t-shirts, heat sheets, general information and worker check-in is conducted.

What do I do if I'm volunteering?
SMI does not run efficiently without the work of all our parent volunteers. It takes close to 500 volunteers to run the meet. All workers for all shifts during the day need to check in prior to the workers meeting at the information tent. The workers meeting starts at 8:15 a.m. at Clerk of Course. Workers must be in place prior to the event their shift starts. The shift schedule is as follows:

Can the siblings and family members get in the pool during the meet?
There are four opportunities for siblings and family members of swimmers to get in the slide end of the pool during SMI. Spectator swim is open for an hour and half and times for this swim are announced during the day, and also included in the heat sheet.

Where do I park?
Several areas located around Springbrook Pool are available for parking. A parking map can be found here. MAFD highly suggests that you park in the areas in and around Alcoa Middle School and Alcoa High School, located across the street from the pool. Please do not park across the street at the apartments. In 2009, Alcoa Elementary School is under construction. Parking will not be available in this area.

Can I drop off items before parking?
All teams, swimmers and families are asked to drop off items at the front entrance of Springbrook Pool. The gates by the diving well, off Springbrook Road will not be open for drop off or entrance into the pool area. The gate behind the slide will be open for access to a from bathrooms, and the parking lot at Alcoa Middle School.

What types of food and drinks should I bring for my swimmer?
Families are invited to bring as much food and drink as they want. Concessions and food vendors are also available during SMI. Types of food to bring are: fruits, vegetables, crackers, sandwiches, anything food easily handheld and eaten. Stay away from sugary snacks and greasy food. Water and gatorade/powerade are highly recommended. Sugary drinks and caffeine are discouraged for swimmers.

Are there any vendors on site?
Multiple vendors are available at SMI. However, only a few of them take credit cards. Swim and Tri and Jaws swimshop will be present to sell swim items. Italian Ice and Snow Cones are also available. Panera will serve breakfast from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Bring plenty of cash for these items, as well as SMI t-shirts and other needs.

If you have any other questions, please contact smimeetdirector@flyingdolphins.org.