What ages do you accept on the team?
We welcome swimmers ages 8-18+. Exceptions may be made based on their experience, endurance and level of comfort in the water. Many of our swimmers come back to visit after heading off to college or joining the workforce!
Do you offer swim lessons?
We are NOT a swim lesson program. We aim to bridge a gap between swim lessons and competitive swimming opportunities, without the 5 day a week schedule and volunteer commitments. Swimmers must have some prior experience before being placed on the team. There are many amazing swim lesson programs in our area to meet your needs if that is what you are looking for.
What are participation costs?
Families pay monthly dues at the beginning of each month. Costs vary month to month based on the number of participating swimmers and start at ~$45 a month for our lowest level. Families may also be responsible for an annual insurance fee.
Dues are not prorated for absences. If a swimmer attends only one practice in a month, the full monthly rates still apply.
How do swimmers move up through the groups?
We have five training groups on PCST: Pre-Team, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4. Swimmers are evaluated on an individual basis when it comes to group movement. Coaches look at their endurance, technique, listening skills, focus at practice, resilience and coachability before deciding on advancement. We consider these factors above all else, with speed as a bonus.
How can my child try out for the team?
If you are interested in getting more information or scheduling a try out, please reach out to us via the contact form on our website or at propstracommunityswimteam@gmail.com.
What if we need to take time off for other sports or activities?
If you would like to take a month or more off for other activities, please email our team coordinator for arrangements. While every effort will be made to welcome your swimmer back, we are unable to reserve spots for leaves of absence. Re-enrollment will be based upon pool space and group structure at the time.
What is a mini meet?
Every 3-4 months, PCST hosts a "mini meet" during our reserved pool time. All swimmers are invited to attend for the entirety of practice and will compete in at least two swimming events. We do not compete against any other teams. These events are intrasquad and against swimmers' own personal best times. We run these mock meets to get swimmers familiar with the concept, set and achieve goals, to bond with their teammates and to try new events.
We always appreciate parents that volunteer to time! It's not a tough skill to learn and anyone can do it! Plus, it gives you the best seats in the house and you get to be a cheerleader for the swimmers!
What is the role of the swim parent?
Thank you for supporting your swimmers and the entire team! Families are more than welcome to observe the practices and we love spectators at our mini meets!
During practice, we want to make sure swimmers are only hearing one voice when it comes to feedback and coaching. Let the coaches do their work and coach the swimmers. We love it when parents help time at our team mini meets! Anyone can learn how to do it, and it's a great way to be involved!
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask our coaching staff before or after practice or send us an email.
What equipment do swimmers need before they start?
Swimmers need a swimsuit, goggles, swim cap, towel and a water bottle at each practice. Team caps will be provided for all members, but each athlete should also have their own personal cap.
Swimmers can wear one piece swimsuits, jammers or swim shorts. Rash guards may also be worn, but may impact maneuverability and comfort while training.
Please avoid two piece swim suits, nose plugs, snorkel masks and foam gasket goggles.
Kick boards, fins, pull buoys, paddles and other necessary equipment are provided.
If you would like recommendations or have questions about any equipment, please don't hesitate to ask the coaching staff or send us an email!
Why isn't my swimmer improving?
Each swimmer progresses at their own rate and there is no fixed length of time that swimmers will spend in each group. Though we encourage swimmers to set goals and try their best, getting best times at our mini meets is not our only measure of success.
Speed is just one way we measure progression. Our goal is to instill healthy practices, with close attention to body mechanics and technique. Proper technique helps to ensure safety and efficiency in the water. Changes to technique often leads to swimmers slowing down.
As a coaching staff, we also evaluate how each swimmer receives feedback and critique and how they are applying their learning. We measure growth and improvement in many ways!
What's next? Beyond community team.
Some swimmers join the team as an intro to the sport after completing swim lessons, to refine their skills, for physical fitness, or for an active social atmosphere. Other swimmers come to PCST to prepare for high school, club, masters or college swimming. Ask your coaches for opportunities in our area!
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