CHAMPS 101
Everything You Need to Know About the CAL Championship Meet
Congratulations! If you're reading this, your swimmer may be on their way to qualifying for the CAL Championship Meet (CHAMPS)—one of the most exciting events of the summer swim season!
Whether this is your first CHAMPS or you're a returning family, this guide will help you know what to expect and how to prepare for an unforgettable experience.
WHAT IS CHAMPS?
The CAL Championship Meet (CHAMPS) is the end-of-season championship meet where swimmers from teams across the league compete after earning qualifying times during the regular season.
Unlike regular dual meets, CHAMPS is:
- Much larger
- Much faster
- Held indoors at SwimRVA
- Divided by age group over two days
- Focused on celebrating each swimmer's accomplishments throughout the season
Most importantly...CHAMPS is about celebrating personal bests—not just winning medals.
How Do Swimmers Qualify?
To compete at CHAMPS, swimmers must achieve a CAL qualifying time in an event AND compete in at least two regular season dual meets. Swimmers can continue earning qualifying times until the end of the regular season. Want to see the qualifying times? Visit: https://swimcal.swimtopia.com/time-standards
2026 CHAMPS SCHEDULE
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July 20: Session 1 (8 and Under)
- Facility Doors open at 7:00 a.m.
- Warm-Ups begin at 8:00 a.m.
- Competition begins at 9:00 a.m.
- All 8 & under participants must have LAST NAME, FIRST INITIAL on right shoulder.
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July 20: Session 2 (9-10 Year Old)
- Facility Doors open at 1:00 p.m.
- Warm-Ups begin at 1:15 p.m.
- Competition begins at 2:15 pm
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July 21: Session 3 (11-12 Year Old)
- Facility Doors open at 7:00 a.m.
- Warm-Ups begin at 8:00 a.m.
- Competition begins at 9:00 a.m.
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July 21: Session 4 (13 and Over)
- Facility Doors open at 12:00 p.m.
- Warm-Ups begin at 12:30 p.m.
- Competition begins at 1:45 p.m.
CHAMPS PRACTICE SCHEDULE: (only those who qualified and are participating in CHAMPS)
No evening practice on Mon. 7/13 due to the Home swim meet (AM practices are on)
Tuesday, 7/14 - Fun practice for ALL Barracudas
Wed., 7/15, Thurs., 7/16, & Fri., 7/17: CHAMPS practices begin-
- 8:30am - 9:30am: 11 and up
- 9:30am - 10:30am: 10 and under
- 5:30pm - 6:30pm: 10 and under
- 6:30pm - 7:30pm: 11 and up
Saturday, 7/18:(YES, a Saturday practice!)
- 8:00am - 9:00am - all CHAMPS swimmers
- 9:00am - 10:00am - TEAM TYE DYE - ALL swimmers welcome!
LOCATION AND PARKING
Swim RVA - 5050 Ridgedale Parkway, Richmond, VA 23234
The facility is indoors and fully air conditioned, but it gets warm with hundreds of swimmers and spectators inside. For facility opening times and warm-up schedules, visit: https://swimcal.swimtopia.com/championship-meet
Coaches, parents and spectators will use parking lot at Collegiate School Aquatics Center parking lot, overflow parking will be at Ukrop Park or vacant Martin's Parking lot. We encourage you to carpool. Parking is not allowed at Hening Elementary, Noble Daycare or on the grass. There will be police patrolling.
What Should My Swimmer Bring?
- Swim suit
- Goggles (plus a backup pair!)
- Swim cap (optional)
- Towels
- Water bottle
- Healthy snacks
- Activities for downtime
Information for Spectators
Spectators are not permitted on the pool deck unless serving in an assigned volunteer role. Spectator seating is available in the stands. Seats fill quickly, so arriving early is recommended. Spectators should bring water, snacks, concession money, team spirit, posters, cameras, and comfortable shoes. Remember—you'll spend several hours at the facility.
What About Volunteers?
CHAMPS cannot happen without volunteers! Families of qualified swimmers are expected to volunteer if their swimmer participates. Volunteer assignments are coordinated through SwimTopia once CAL assigns our team's positions.
Barracuda Tie-Dye Party
The Collington 2026 CHAMPS theme is TIE DYE, and we’re getting the entire team involved! Join us Saturday, July 18 at 9:00 a.m. in the Collington Clubhouse Parking Lot for a Barracuda Tie-Dye Party and Spirit Poster Making Event!
This event is open to the entire team—whether your swimmer qualified for CHAMPS or not! Bring a cotton item (shirt, socks, towel, etc.) to tie-dye, and we'll provide the dye and supplies. We'll also be making spirit posters to decorate our team area at CHAMPS.
CHAMPS Snack Bags
For just $5, your swimmer can receive a healthy snack bag delivered directly to them on the pool deck during CHAMPS. Each bag includes a Gatorade and a variety of healthy, peanut-free snacks to help keep swimmers fueled throughout the meet. Order by Friday, July 17. Payment: Venmo @CollingtonSwimTeam (please note "Snack Bag") or pay cash/check to a coach or board member. Order Here: https://forms.gle/uzzmZgLk4yHWAtBG7
