To allow new swimmers to get used to a "meet format" and the use of the starting system, starter, using the blocks, and just the concept of being "timed".

To allow coaches to look at each swimmer perform their strokes - to help determine  areas that may still need some attention to avoid possible stroke violations/disqualifications in a meet.

To establish a baseline "time" for all swimmers in each of the strokes.

To help new parent volunteers (and old too!) learn the various volunteer "jobs" in a swim meet.

And of course to have fun!