PHOENIX SWIM CLUB

SWIM ASSESSMENTS & TRYOUTS

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to be a good swimmer to join the team?

Swimmers aged 5 to 8 - be able to swim 25 yards of freestyle and backstroke unassisted, and without stopping. Swimmer must be able to keep up with the age-appropriate groups.  

Swimmers aged 9 to 10 – be able to swim 50 yards of freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke and 25 yards of butterfly. Swimmer must be able to keep up with the age-appropriate groups.

Swimmers aged 11 to 12 – be able to swim 100 yards of freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke and 50 yards of butterfly. Swimmer must be able to keep up with the age-appropriate groups.

Swimmers aged 13-18 – be able to swim 200 yards of freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke and 100 yards of butterfly. Swimmer must be able to keep up with the age-appropriate groups.

2. Do I have to try out?

New swimmers and families interested in joining Phoenix Swim Club are welcome to do a trial week with one of our practice groups. For placement into a practice group for swimmers 5 - 18 years old, a swim assessment must be completed. Please fill out our Swim Assessment Questionnaire . Once compeleted a coach will reach out to you. 

If your swimmer is not quite ready for our year round competitive team, the coach doing the assessment will offer other opportunities within Phoenix swim Club. These could include private swim lessons, group swim lessons, spring and/or summer team.

For swimmers with previous club or high school swim experience please contact the PSC office directly.  Email Darian Townsend at dtownsend@phoenixswimclub.org with your swimmer's name, age, name of their club/high school, and a list of their top events/times.  Darian will get back to you with more information. 

3. What if I’m involved in other sports?

Most of our swimmers participate and thrive in other sports and activities.  Our practices are offered on multiple days a week to allow for more opportunities to participate.

4. Are meets held every weekend?

No, and it is up to you how many meets you enter based on your schedule.  Usually, swimmers can compete one or two weekends a month in age-appropriate settings suited to their competitive level.

5. Is there a lot of travel involved?

Most of our meets are in the Phoenix area or at our home pool, although we do offer the opportunity for the team to travel to meets in other areas.  All trips are optional.

6. Where are practices held?

Practices are primarily held at Phoenix Country Day School pool loacted at 3901 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253. For driving diretions, we are loacted 2 blocks north of Camelback Rd on 40th street.

7. Can I join anytime?

You may join the team anytime.

8. Do the boys have to wear “speedos”?

No, although they are still around, most boys opt for the knee-length “jammer” suit. Either style is accepted. 

9. What is the cost?

The cost varies based on the group in which your swimmer is placed and how many swim meets you enter. Registration is paid when you join, the annual dues are broken down into monthly payments that are spread out over 12 months of the year. The PSC fee schedule is based on retaining a high-quality, full-time staff and USA Swimming membership benefits. We host competitions that are volunteer-run to help offset costs. Reduced fees are available to families that demonstrate need. Please ask Head Coach Darian Townsend about the PSC Scholarship Program

10.  Who does the coaching and what are their certifications?

We have a staff of professional, experienced coaches who love what they do. They are all certified through USA Swimming and are required to maintain CPR, Coaches Safety & First Aid plus other coaching certifications.