Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by parents who remember the questions they had when their children first started swimming, the following tries to answer the most commonly asked questions. For more information, please check the handbook, reach out to the seasoned swim parents, or email your swim team reps.
Q: My family is brand new to organized swimming -- what is my best source of information to learn the ropes?
A: Poplar Run provides a lot of information here on the website for new swim families. In addition, parents who have been around for a few years are great sources of information. If you attend your child's practice, look for a returning parent or a Board Member on deck. We try to cultivate a friendly atmosphere among families and most parents are willing to share their experiences. In addition, you can write to [email protected] to ask your specific questions.
Q: Why do I need to volunteer and how much of a time commitment is expected?
A: We are a small team. It is critical that each family volunteers as the team is not able to compete without parent participation. Each meet needs more than 25 volunteers to run it, and most of these positions offer close up vantage points of the swimmers and a chance to meet new people. There are many types of volunteer opportunities both during and outside of the actual meets, so there are plenty of ways for everyone to help out. We do not have a minimum requirement as some other teams do, but we encourage everyone to donate as much time as possible to help make the season fun and successful! All the volunteer descriptions are listed on the Penguins handbook.
Q: How do I arrange for private lessons/one-on-one coaching?
A: If a swimmer wants more individualized instruction, coaches & experienced swimmers may be hired separately from the swim team. Their willingness to provide lessons, lesson cost, and contact information will be shared via Swimtopia & by contacting one of the team representatives. Please contact coaches / swimmers individually to set up sessions and payment.
Q: When will I know if my swimmer is swimming in a meet?
A: The Meet Lineup is posted in SwimTopia on Friday morning for A Meets & Tuesday morning for B Meets.
Q: What is the difference between A & B Meets?
A: A Meets are generally held on Saturdays and are the meets that count towards our MCSL league standing points. B Meets are generally held on Wednesdays, and are not scored for MCSL points. Ribbons are awarded in both meets and all times are recorded for our team information.
Q: Who decides if my child swims in an A Meet or a B Meet?
A: All our swimmers are part of the PR Penguin Swim Team. We do not have A Swimmers or B Swimmers. The coaching staff makes all decisions on competition in meets (i.e., A or B). There tends to be fluctuation between swimmers who participate in A and B meets during the season as children improve their skills, so swimmers and parents should check the meet entries EACH WEEK to see if their child is listed for the A meet, as changes on a weekly basis are expected.
Q: What does “swimming legally” mean?
A: You will often hear coaches say things like “your breaststroke is not legal”. Each stroke and event comes with its own set of rules. Legal swimming means that the stroke is performed in accordance with the rules set for that stroke. Some strokes are easier to pick up than others and “doing it right” takes a lot of time and practice.
Q: What if my swimmer is unable to swim in a meet they are assigned to swim?
A: Tell the Coaches AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, but please plan ahead. Tell the coaches at least three days ahead of time if your swimmer is unable to swim during a meet. The most important task is for parents to ensure that they annotate in SwimTopia if their swimmer can NOT swim in the upcoming meet - we plan that ALL our swimmers are available unless told differently.
Q: After my swimmer finshes their last event at the meet, can we leave to go home?
A: PLEASE plan to stay for the whole meet. This is a team event so encourage your swimmer to cheer on their fellow swimmers. You never know, your swimmer may be selected by the coaches to swim in the relay at the end of the meet.
Q: Will there be a theme for each meet?
A: Coaches are in the process of designing the theme schedule for this season. Swimmers are encouraged to dress up in the set theme before the meet as part of the team camaraderie experience. More to come closer to the start of the season via SwimTopia!
Q: When will my Little Blue swim in their first meet?
A: When your Little Blue swimmer is comfortable swimming the entire length of the pool (25 meters), the coaches will let them & you know they will be swimming in the next meet. All Little Blue swimmers are invited to swim in the kickboard race at the Wednesday night B meets and will have their very own meet near the end of the season.
Q: My child is on the Little Blues - when will they move up?
A: Once a swimmer has demonstrated good form for the length of the pool without assistance and the ability to follow multiple step directions, the head coach may promote them to a different practice if doing so is in the best interest of the swimmer.
Q: When is the best time to ask a coach a question?
A: Besides helping swimmers learn strokes, coaches play an important role in keeping all the swimmers safe. Interruptions can easily lead to a distracted coach and a potentially unsafe environment for the swimmers. If you need to speak to a coach, please reach out to them via email or through the team reps.
Q: May I bring my swimmer to a different practice time that works better for our schedule?
A: Coaches will determine the practice time for each swimmer. The coaches are looking out for your child’s best interest and each practice is geared to offer the best instruction based on the needs of each group. Please do not attend a different practice time without a coach’s approval.
Q: Is it ok to talk to my swimmer during practice?
A: We prefer to have parents watching from a distance away from their child. Parents' interruptions cause a distraction for everyone.
Q: How will I know if practice or a swim meet is canceled due to weather?
A: Safety of our families is of the utmost importance. In case of inclement weather, it is the job of the pool operator to determine the safety of entering the water. Generally speaking, if thunder is heard or lightning is spotted, there is a mandatory delay of 30 minutes in pool activities and all in attendance must seek cover and the pool operators close the pool. In case of a meet, the Meet officials and Team Representatives will determine whether a meet is to be delayed or called off due to bad weather.
Q: What if it is raining or cold?
A: We will hold practice unless the pool staff has closed the pool. Some children can be miserable on cold rainy days. It is ok to keep them home as we want all children to love the swim team. Because attendance tends to be lighter on those days, the swimmers get a lot of individual attention.
Q: What are Pep Rallies & Meet Themes?
A: Every Friday evening before home meets, all swimmers and their families are encouraged to participate in a pep rally to get ready for the next day’s meet. Coaches rally the swimmers together to do cheers and show their spirit, there will be food and a group activity. Each week there is a different theme to help get swimmers into the team spirit. Coaches will announce the theme ahead of time and help the kids prepare as necessary.
Q: What is the Swim Team Banquet?
A: The Swim Team Banquet is a fun, family celebration to recognize the accomplishments of the team and swimmers. All swim team members and their families are welcome to join in the festivities, which include awards, dinner, fun in the pool, and a look back at the season. Banquet ticket information will be available by early July.
