Terra Linda Orcas FAQs
Welcome to the Terra Linda Orcas Swim Team! Were so glad youre here. Below are answers to our most common questions. If you dont see what youre looking for, please email info@tlorca.org.
If this is your first season, start here these two pages will answer most questions and help you feel prepared before the season begins.
- New Families Page focused on providing new families the info they they need
- First Meet Checklist a simple, stress-free guide for your very first swim meet
- Meet Day Guide what to expect, how meets work, and how to prepare
About the Orcas
Founded in 1962, the Terra Linda Orcas are the oldest of the 10 teams in the Marin Swim League (MSL). We are a Spring/Summer recreational swim team, with practices beginning in February and competitive meets running from late April through June.
Our season typically includes:
- Team Time Trials
- Seven dual meets (a mix of home and away)
- A mid-season All-Stars meet (for qualifying swimmers)
- A league-wide Championship Meet (Champs”) at the end of the season
Champs is a fun, high-energy way to wrap up the season, and all eligible swimmers are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Go ORCAS! #PodProud
Who Can Join?
The Orcas are open to swimmers ages 5-8 who can swim one lap (25 yards) of the pool unassisted.
For younger swimmers, or swimmers who are still building confidence and lap-swimming skills, we offer a separate Junior Orcas program during the Spring/Summer.
When Can High School Swimmers Practice or Compete with the Orcas?
High school swimmers are welcome to participate in Orcas Time Trials at the start of the season.
During the high school swim season, high school (including MCAL and other postseason) rules do not allow swimmers to practice or compete simultaneously with a recreational swim team. Because of this, high school swimmers may not attend Orcas practices or compete in dual meets until their high school season has concluded.
The exact timing varies depending on postseason participation. Once a swimmer’s high school season ends, they may begin practicing and competing with the Orcas.
For additional context and season-specific guidance, please refer to the Team Handbook.
How Do I Register?
All swimmers must be registered in order to enter the pool.
Registration is completed through our website when registration is open. You will only see the registration option during open enrollment periods.
Do You Offer Financial Aid?
Yes. The Terra Linda Orcas offer a Financial Aid Program to help ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation.
Each season, the team sets aside funds to support qualifying families. Requests are handled confidentially, and families are encouraged to apply if they need assistance.
Full details about eligibility, typical award amounts, and how to apply can be found on our Financial Aid page.
→ Learn more about Financial Aid
Where Can I Find the Schedule?
What Does a Swim Meet Look Like?
Swim meets can feel overwhelming at first, especially for new families thats completely normal.
Weve created a dedicated guide that walks through everything from arrival times and hand marking to how heats, events, and scoring work.
If this is your first season, we also recommend the First Meet Checklist, linked from the Meet Day Guide.
Do Swimmers Have to Attend Meets?
Swim meets are a core part of the Orcas experience, and we strongly encourage families to attend whenever possible.
While meets can feel intimidating at first, they are well-run, welcoming, and designed to be supportive for swimmers of all levels, including first-time racers. Meets are where swimmers cheer for one another, build confidence, and feel connected to the team.
If a swimmer is feeling unsure, families are encouraged to talk with the coaching staff to find a comfortable way to get started. Even attending a meet to watch and cheer can make a big difference.
What Is New Swimmer Week?
New Swimmer Week takes place at the beginning of the season and allows coaches to assess each new swimmer’s comfort level in the water, basic skills, and readiness for team practices.
Some swimmers may transition quickly into their age-group practice groups, while others may spend additional time in a new swimmer group before moving up.
If your swimmer is unable to attend New Swimmer Week, that’s okay. We offer practices geared toward new swimmers for most of the first month of the season, and coaches will ensure late-starting swimmers are appropriately assessed and placed.
Returning swimmers typically begin their regular age-group practices following New Swimmer Week.
How Often Are Practices?
Practice is offered up to five days per week. Families may choose how often their swimmer attends and how long they stay, based on what works best for their schedule.
Swimmers who attend more frequently generally see faster improvement in technique and confidence, but flexibility is built in.
Practice times vary by age group see the Practice Schedule page for details.
What equipment do swimmers need at practice?
Swimmers should bring a tight-fitting practice suit (no team suits, no board shorts, and no two-piece suits), goggles (a backup pair is recommended), a towel, and a water bottle to every practice.
Even though our pool is heated, swimmers may want a warm layer for after evening practices.
Please label all equipment and clothing with a waterproof pen.
Are practices canceled due to weather?
Practices are held rain or shine.
Because the Orcas season begins in early spring, weather can be unpredictable and sometimes feel chilly. The pool is heated, and swimmers stay active throughout practice, so they are not cold once they get moving.
Practices are only canceled in rare circumstances, such as thunderstorms, pool heater issues, or pool chemistry problems that make swimming unsafe.
If a practice must be canceled, families will be notified as early as possible through email and team communications.
What Are Junior Orcas?
The Junior Orcas program is a small-group learn-to-swim and skill-building program for children ages 4-9.
Junior Orcas focuses on water confidence, foundational stroke skills, and lap readiness. Many swimmers begin in Junior Orcas before transitioning to the full Orcas swim team.
Junior Orcas swimmers do not compete in swim meets.
How Do Swim Meet Sign-Ups Work?
Families sign swimmers up for meet events using the SportsEngine Motion app or website.
Each swimmer may typically enter up to three individual events per meet. Coaches provide guidance and select relay teams.
Step-by-step instructions are shared each season and included in meet communications.
How Does Volunteering Work?
Swimming is a volunteer-run sport, and meets rely on parent support to run safely and smoothly.
Each season has a volunteer hour requirement, and there are many different roles available from day-of meet jobs to season-long coordination roles.
Detailed volunteer information, sign-ups, and hour tracking are shared separately each season.
👉 View Volunteer Roles & Descriptions
If you have questions or need accommodations, please email volunteer@tlorca.org.
How Do I Stay Informed?
Team updates and reminders are shared through several channels to make sure families stay informed throughout the season:
- The team website
- Email communications
- The SportsEngine Motion app
- Our WhatsApp group
Most official team communication is sent through SportsEngine email. During registration, only one parent or guardian is listed as the primary account holder. If another parent or guardian would like to receive the same team emails, be sure to add their address in the Alternate Email field in your family account.
We also recommend adding a mobile number in the SMS / Mobile Phone field so you can receive important text message alerts through SportsEngine.
Keeping both email and mobile contact information up to date helps ensure you don’t miss important team announcements.
Join the Orcas WhatsApp Group for quick two-way communications with the team:
Who Do I Contact If I Need Help?
If youre not sure where to start, you can always reach us at:
Were happy to help and point you in the right direction.
