Truxtun Penguins Swim Club

Like every sport, swimming has its own set of rules, traditions, and idiosyncrasies. Here are some tips to help first-time parents navigate the murky waters of swim practices and meets.

• Meets generally take 3-4 hours to complete depending on team size and attendance
• Be positive and enthusiastic – have FUN! Your child will stick with the team only if it is rewarding and fun.
• Befriend some families who have participated in swim team for some time. They will help you figure out all the dos and don'ts.
• Pack a “Swim Bag” – either for the parent or the swimmer, or both! In the bag there should be the following for each swimmer: towel, goggles, cap & shampoo. 
• Label everything -- swimsuit, sweats, towels, goggles and cap. Try a white-out pencil for goggles and cap.
• If you know your swimmer will not be at a Meet, record this in Swimtopia once the meet sign up is available. If you have questions, reach out to the team email or team reps at practice
• Read the Meet Program BEFORE you get to the Meet. Our Tech Rep will email this out as soon as it is available (generally Friday evening). Read through (highlight if it helps) to find all your swimmer’s entries. Don't wait until you’re at the meet to figure it out.
• Not every swimmer swims every event in his or her age group. If you have questions, talk to the coaches before or after -- not during -- swim meets or practice. Email is also a good way to set up a time to discuss if needed
• Get familiar with the structure of meets. Hint: every race has the same number in every meet. Girls' events have even numbers; boys' events have odd numbers.
• Have a “Meet Bag.” Much like the other bag, this has towel, goggles, cap – no shampoo but SUNBLOCK! It also has a black sharpie, hat, cards, books or other activities to occupy the swimmer in between events.
• At Meets, pretend you are camping – chairs, extra towels, sweatshirts or cover-ups. Lots of families bring Beach Tents too. It gets hot fast! Bring a few snacks but support the Concession stand too - both Home & Away.
• Arrive early for swim meets. Less stress on everyone – your swimmer will be ready to hit the water and you can set up your “camp” for the day (and get a good spot!)
• Write your swimmer’s races on his/her arm (event number, heat number and lane number, i.e. Fr 13/2/4). Do it BEFORE you apply sunblock so it won’t smudge.
• Cheer for ALL the kids. Good sportsmanship begins at home.
• Check on the Coaches – offer them water or to bring them some food. They don’t get breaks.
• ALWAYS HAVE FUN!!!