Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to contact my child's coaches? 
Coaches can be reached by email or after practices. We encourage you to reach out if you have questions. Coaches are working in partnership with you and your swimmers!  

How can I stay connected to team news and notifications?
The best way to stay up to date with practice calendar changes, team announcements, and team news is by downloading the Sports Engine App for your Apple or Android device. Important announcements, event information and volunteer job postings can also be communicated via email and the team newsletter. The team Facebook page is a great place to see pictues of team events, read up on swimming and team related news and more. 

What equipment will my swimmer need for practice? 
Equipment requirements will vary by practice group. Visit the practice group equipment page to view a list of required items for your swimmer. 

How many meets is my swimmer required to participate in each season? 
While there are typically several meets a month to choose from, they are not all required. However we do encourage Penguin swimmers to participate in at least one meet a month. Typically we host two meets a season. Home meets are always required for all Penguin swimmers. 

I see an Intra squad meet on the calendar. What is an intra squad meet, exactly? 
Intra squad meets are simply practice meets. They provide an opportunity for new or inexperienced swimmers (as well as parent volunteers!) to experience how a meet runs. They are usually held during a normal practice time, and only include Hurricane Penguin swimmers. While the timing system is used, and the meet is run just as it would be in a typical official capacity, times swam at an intra squad meet are unofficial. 

I see a meet coming up, but my swimmer can’t be there the whole weekend. Can they still swim? 
Yes! While swimmers are encouraged to participate in as much of the meet as possible, we understand sometimes attending all sessions for your swimmer isn’t possible. When signing up for an event, use the “notes” section to indicate which days your swimmer is unavailable to swim.

I signed my swimmer up to swim the meet, but I have no idea what events they should be signed up for. What do I do? 
If you are ever unsure about what event your swimmer should be swimming, leave the event selections blank and your child’s coach will make the selection for them. 

What suit should my child wear for practice? Do I need to purchase the team suit for meets? 
Swimmers should wear training suits for practice. This is a one piece suit for girls, and brief or jammers for boys. While we encourage all our swimmers to purchase the team suit for meets, they are not required. 

Are swim caps required? 
Girls are required to wear caps for practice and meets. Boys do not have to wear caps at practice, however they are encouraged to wear them at meets. Please have your swimmer wear their team cap when swimming in a meet. Any cap is fine for practice. 

My swimmer has to miss practice. What is the absence policy? Who do I notify?
If your swimmer has to miss practice due to an illness or other commitment, there is usually no need to notify the coach. However, if your swimmer is going to be absent for an extended period of time due to vacation, an injury or something else, we do ask you notify your child’s coach.