Welcome

We’re excited to welcome you to another great season with Tucson Ford Aquatics. Our mission is to provide a competitive and comprehensive program for athletes of all ages and ability levels. Whether you’re just starting out or pursuing national and international competition, our team is here to support your growth in the sport.

Established in 1979, Ford Aquatics is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to teaching skills that not only promote improvement in sport, but also encourage healthy, balanced lifestyles. Our coaching staff is among the best in the field, bringing experience, expertise, and a deep commitment to helping every athlete succeed.

We’re proud to offer a pathway that supports long-term athlete development as they progress through the sport of competitive swimming. Most importantly, we believe in fostering a family-friendly, team-oriented environment built around a positive youth sports experience.

Our people, coaches, volunteers, officials,  board members, and athletes are our greatest asset, and together we’re looking forward to a strong and successful season together. 

Mission Statement 

Tucson Ford Aquatics is dedicated to developing swimmers of all levels, from novice to Olympian, by fostering excellence in and out of the water. Through expert coaching, a supportive team culture, and a commitment to safety and inclusion, we help athletes grow in skill, character, and confidence. Our goal is to nurture a lifelong love of swimming while promoting personal responsibility, sportsmanship, and a healthy lifestyle.

Guiding Principles

• Foster positive attributes such as self-esteem, self-reliance, discipline, confidence, respect for self and others, and pride in the team.

• Improve, have fun, and grow together in a competitive, safe, healthy, and inclusive environment that encourages teamwork, social connection, and structured play.

• Instill the value of a strong work ethic.  “Success comes through daily hard work and dedication.”

• Promote leadership, sportsmanship, and active involvement in the community.

• Create an athletic environment that encourages healthy choices and positive lifestyle habits.

• Prepare swimmers to excel in college and beyond, both academically and athletically.

• Encourage the pursuit of academic excellence alongside athletic achievement.

 Financial Commitment

Tucson Ford Dealers Aquatics is a year-round program. Our fiscal year matches the recognized swim calendar: September 1st through August 31st. The team does not prorate fees for missed time other than for confirmed medical reasons.

All membership payments will be set up through your Sports Engine Account. There are two payment options for membership dues.

• Annual Payment (in full)  - Due upon registration with a 10% discount. This payment option is only available from August 1 to September 5, 2026.

• Monthly Payments - billed monthly; will be billed on the 5th of each month after your initial registration.

These fees will be set up for auto-pay through your Sports Engine account. Both monthly and annual  payments will begin on August 5th of each season.  In addition to your membership dues, you will also be responsible for meet entry fees for the meets that your athlete is entered in, athlete travel expenses for team travel, additional team caps, and other shirts/equipment ordered by the team. These charges will be invoiced through your Sports Engine Account. If you have an outstanding balance on your Sports Engine account, you will not be allowed to enter into Meets, and late fees will be applied for past due payments. 

Membership Dues

*Annual Registration Fee: Includes a Team Shirt, 2 silicone Caps, and a Team Practice Suit (ordered through SkiPro), due upon registration. In addition to this, 4 caps will be distributed throughout the course of the year. 

+Volunteer Commitment: Families must commit to volunteering for one session per day at each home-hosted meet. Officiating at meets can relieve you of this commitment. (#Masters Volunteer Commitment upon request.)

+Fundraising Commitment: All members must participate in the Millions for Tucson Raffle Tickets. More information below 

NCAA Compliance Regulation

Due to our relationship with the University of Arizona, Tucson Ford is bound by NCAA Compliance Regulations. Every swimmer must provide proof of residency within 50 miles of the University upon registration with the team and again annually. You will receive an email with links to complete this action when you set up your account. 

Financial Assistance

Tucson Ford may be able to offer relief from monthly dues for those experiencing financial hardship.  Interested parties should write a letter to the Head Coach outlining the hardship and must provide a copy of their proof of income from their current IRS 1040 form listing the AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) or, if that document is not available, other appropriate documentation. Any approval of a request, with Board approval, will be for six (6) months only; families may reapply if circumstances warrant.  Families submitting a request may be asked to increase volunteer hours to compensate. The Head Coach, with Board approval, may, from time to time, grant additional scholarships to defray the costs of special training camps and/or competitions.

Visiting Swimmers

Visiting swimmers (e.g., vacationing in Tucson) who are attached to another USA-S club team and actively registered with USA-S, OR are an active member of a foreign Federation, may participate with Ford Aquatics training sessions at no charge for a period of up to two weeks. Any training longer than this will require the swimmer to pay dues, which may be prorated.

Additional Team Fees and Financial Policies 

• Methods of Payment - All payments will be processed via Credit Card or ACH, except in outstanding circumstances approved by team administration. Once you have set up your method of payment on Sports Engine, you will automatically be enrolled in Auto-Pay for membership dues and meet fees. There will be an additional fee of 2.95% plus 30 cents per transaction, which will cover the SportsEngine processing fees.

• Multi-Swimmer Discounts - For families with multiple swimmers, the first swimmer will pay full price, each additional swimmer within a family will be given a 10% discount on team dues. The discount will be applied to the lower-cost group(s). This discount does not apply to Masters swimmers with children on the team. For families that pay team dues annually, a 10% annual discount will apply to the first swimmer. A 10% multi-swimmer discount will apply to the second and third swimmer (if applicable). Max discount per swimmer is 10%. 

• Registration Fee - $120 Registration fee is non-refundable and covers the following: team shirt, team caps, and a team suit. Billed upon initial sign-up and every September at the start of the new season.

• USA Swimming Membership - All athletes must register themselves with USA Swimming through the SWIMS platform. Ford Aquatics does not process this on your behalf. Athletes must be current and in good standing with USA Swimming prior to their first day of practice. 

  • Registration for USA Swimming can be done: HERE. 

• Late Payment Policy - A late fee of $25 will be automatically assessed on all unpaid account balances on the 15th of each month. Please contact our team administrator at admin@fordaquatics.org with any questions about your account or payment options. Once a member account becomes 90 days past due, they will receive a late notice, and payment is due immediately, or the account will be suspended and sent to collections. All outstanding account balances must be paid in full before swimmer(s) can sign up for a meet or register for the next season. Delinquent or past due accounts can be assessed additional fees. 

• Late Pick-up Policy - Due to facility policy, swimmers who are not picked up within 15 minutes of the end of workout times that require staff monitoring will be billed $50 for every 10 minutes a coach has to wait.

• Practice Group Changes -  Swimmers will have three opportunities throughout the season to switch groups; at the beginning of short course in August, after Winter Lights in December, or before Long Course in April. Practice attendance will be recorded for all groups. This will not only provide useful information as Head Coach evaluates these new groups and coach distribution, it will also ensure our GT, Bronco and Mustang swimmers meet their group requirements.  If at the end of the month, you are below the required practice percentage, we will have a meeting about what you can adjust to get back on track, and you will have one month to meet the requirements. All practice group assignments are ultimately at the coach's discretion.

• Stop Payment or Leave the Team - A 30-day notice is required to stop billing. Please send an email indicating the drop date to admin@fordquatics.org. The annual team registration fee ($120) is non-refundable. Any outstanding entry fees or other financial commitments are considered an obligation to Ford Aquatics, payable upon termination of participation.

• Meet Fees -  Meet entries are submitted and prepaid by Ford staff. Swim meet fees will be added to your account on Sports Engine. For USA Swim meets, the following fees are assessed:

  • LSC Swimmer Surcharge (1-time fee per swimmer, determined by AZ LSC)

  • Individual Event Fee (For each event entered) 

  • Team Meet Surcharge - A team meet surcharge of $15 for meets in Pima County and $20 for meets outside of Pima County will also be assessed to help cover staffing and team travel costs (Travel meets are billed separately). The fee structure is outlined below and will be added to monthly invoices.

  • LSC Expedited Registration Surcharge paid by the club will be passed on to the family with a $10 admin fee.

  • Team Travel Meets - Special competitive meets, often outside of Arizona. You will be notified of trip costs and often billed separately. 

  • Note - All meet fees are paid in advance to the host club by Ford (athletes do not directly pay the meet host). Athletes, therefore, are responsible for meet fees and meets they have committed to, regardless of whether they attend the meet or not. 

  • Late Registration Admin Fee – If a swimmer misses the meet registration deadline and requires manual entry, a $20 administrative fee will apply.

• Misc. Fees/Charges - There may be other fees/charges assessed throughout the year (i.e. team travel trip expenses, meet fines, etc.). You will be notified in advance of the nature and the amount of the fee. Team Travel trips will be billed separately. 

• Refund Policy - Refunds will not be given for dues paid except in outstanding circumstances. The Team Registration Fee ($120)  is non-refundable. Annual team membership dues are non-refundable. To leave the team, notice must be emailed to the head coach and admin 30 days before recurring account fees will be suspended, or billing stopped. Fees will not be suspended for temporary absences due to vacation, illness, etc.

Volunteering, Fundraising & Team Support Commitment

Tucson Ford Aquatics thrives because of the support and involvement of our families. Volunteers play a vital role in delivering a high-quality experience for all athletes by helping us host meets, manage team events, and support daily operations. Your time, energy, and willingness to help directly benefit the success of our swimmers and coaching staff. Tucson Ford Aquatics strives for a thriving volunteer community where everyone contributes what they can to elevate the team.

Ford Hosted Meets & Events Volunteer Requirement

Tucson Ford Aquatics hosts several swim meets and team events throughout the year. These events rely heavily on volunteer support from our membership. We are fortunate to be able to host several meets, which enriches the swimming landscape in Tucson, adds local racing opportunities for our swimmers, which means less travel to Phoenix, while providing additional income for the team.  Our meets are closed deck: only athletes, coaches, and volunteers are allowed on deck. There are many ways to volunteer at a meet that require nothing more than showing up for your shift, including: set-up/tear-down, hospitality, concessions, and timing.  Additional volunteer opportunities, such as becoming a meet marshal or meet official, require some training up front but are invaluable to the team. Every meet we host is an opportunity to grow the program, reduce travel, and reinvest in your swimmer's experience.

2025-2026 Volunteer Requirements:

• All Families are required to volunteer, regardless of whether their athlete is competing in the meet. Each family must work a minimum of one shift for every day of a hosted meet.  For example, if a hosted meet spans three days, each family is required to work a minimum of three shifts. 

• Masters swimmers will be called upon to help out with timing for meets that are longer than one day in duration.

The head coach will publish the planned hosted meets schedule at the beginning of the season; however, the requirement may grow if Ford is awarded a meet host opportunity (e.g. State level meets).  The addition of a hosted meet to the calendar will still carry the volunteer requirement, but will be communicated well in advance.

Shift Buyouts / Missed Shifts

If you are unable to work the required shifts, you may buy out your shifts. THIS IS NOT THE PREFERRED OPTION.  The buy-out is not a desired source of income for our team, but has been established as a mechanism to emphasize our critical need for volunteers. 

• Shift Buyout: $75 per shift 

If you do not show for a shift you committed to, your account will be charged the buy-out fee. 

Volunteer Sign-up

A volunteer sign-up will be made available via Sports Engine in advance of each hosted meet.  It is important that families select their time slots by the indicated due date.  If slots remain unfilled after the deadline, the team may bring in outside volunteers, and the buy-out charges will still apply for families who did not sign up. Descriptions of volunteer positions can be found on the Team Website.

Other Ways to Support the Team

• Become a USA Swimming Official: Must work all Ford-hosted meets. Ford reimbursement officials’ annual registration fee and various additional costs. Being an official fulfills your volunteer requirement. Contact the Head Coach if you are interested in becoming an official.

• Meet Marshall: Fulfil the volunteer requirements

• Meet Committee Member: Volunteer to be a participating committee member. Information below. 

Team Fundraising

Beyond meet hosting, we rely on additional fundraising to help fund team operations, equipment upgrades, coach travel, incentive programs, and special events such as senior recognition and team socials. Our largest fundraiser is the Jim Click Millions for Tucson Raffle.

Raffle Requirements: 

• Each Ford family will be required to sell 10 Raffle Tickets at $25 each. (5 tickets for $100)

Team Committees

Tucson Ford Aquatics relies on the involvement of our families and volunteers to help support and grow the organization. Committee participation is a great way for parents and guardians to stay involved, build community, and contribute to the success of the team. Participation can vary drastically in the commitment level required. You can contribute occasionally, support specific events, or take on leadership roles. Every level of involvement is a valuable contribution to the team.

Each committee is led by up to two co-chairs and works closely with the Board of Directors to ensure smooth execution of team activities throughout the year. As a committee member, you will be acting in a supporting role. The goal of the committees is to create a pool of people who are willing to step up when called upon to help execute specific tasks. Families will be invited to sign up for volunteer interest lists at the start of the season. This allows committee chairs to seek help based on your preferences, but does not commit you to a specific task or timeline. Committee sign ups are available on the website.

Team Committees include:

• Fundraising & Sponsorship

  • Secure team and meet sponsorships

  • Develop partnerships for hospitality and team apparel

  • Support the annual team raffle

  • Organize other fundraising opportunities

• Social Committee

  • Plan team-building events

  • Organize the season opener, holiday party, and year-end banquet & recognition events

  • Coordinate team events and team shirts

• Meet Committee

  • Coordinate logistics for all home events

  • Oversee Arizona Swimming meet sanctions

  • Support officials, hospitality, and volunteer coordination

  • Assist with travel meet logistics, including tents & equipment

• Masters Committee

  • Plan and execute Masters-specific events and initiative

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Team Sponsorship: Arena & Ski Pro

Tucson Ford Aquatics is proud to be sponsored by Arena, one of the world’s leading swimwear and equipment brands. As part of this partnership, Ski Pro (skipro.com) serves as our official team vendor for all team suits, warm-ups, training equipment, and apparel.

To maintain our sponsorship benefits and ensure consistency across the program, all team members are expected to wear and use Arena-branded gear purchased exclusively through Ski Pro. This includes required practice equipment, suits, backpacks, and any racing suits. Purchases made through our designated vendor directly impact the support we receive from Arena, including access to discounted gear, team sponsorship benefits, and on-site support at meets.

All team-branded gear, apparel, and promotional items must be approved and distributed by Ford Aquatics. Members and parents are not permitted to create or sell independent Ford-branded items, including apparel, without prior approval from the Head Coach and Board of Directors.

Ski Pro is based in Phoenix and offers convenient online ordering through a custom team page, which will be updated seasonally with required and recommended items. They will also be our on-site vendor at select swim meets throughout the year.

Required Gear by Group:

Raptor

• Cap, Goggles, Training Suit  &  Waterbottle 

• Short Fins (1-3”)

• Kickboard

Bronco/Edge

• Cap, Goggles, Training Suit  & Waterbottle 

• Meshbag

• Short Fins (1-3”)

• Kickboard

• Pull Buoy

• Temp Trainer

• Paddles

• 2 x Tennis Balls

• Catch-up Stick

• Parachute

Maverick

• Cap, Goggles, Training Suit  & Waterbottle 

• Meshbag

• Short Fins (1-3”)

• Kickboard

• Snorkel

• Youth Pull Buoy

Mustang/Explorer

• Cap, Goggles, Training Suit & Waterbottle 

• Meshbag

• Short Fins (1-3”)

• Kickboard

• Tempo Trainer

• Paddles

• 2 x Tennis Balls

• Catch-up Stick

GT

• Cap, Goggles, Training Suit & Waterbottle

• Short fins - 1-3”

• Snorkel,

• pull buoy

• kick board

• tempo trainer

• paddles. 

• 2 tennis balls

• Catch-up stick

• Parachute

• Polar HR monitor - 

FORD MAAP & Safe Sport Policies 

Tucson Ford Aquatics and USA Swimming are committed to fostering a fun, healthy, and safe environment for all its members. The Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP) must be reviewed and agreed to by all athletes, parents, coaches and other non-athlete members of member clubs on an annual basis. Each policy and procedure eliminates a possible situation in which abuse could occur. The full MAAPP can be found on the USA Swimming Safe Sport page and on our team website.

Tucson Ford Aquatics has adopted all MAAPP requirements, including:

• One-on-One Interactions
  Private, one-on-one contact between a minor athlete and an adult (other than the athlete's parent/guardian) must be observable and interruptible.

• Social Media and Electronic Communication
  All team-related texts, emails, and direct messages to minor athletes must include a parent/guardian or be sent through a monitored platform.

• Travel & Lodging
  Coaches and staff shall not share hotel rooms or accommodations with athletes unless the adult is the athlete’s legal guardian. Written parental consent is required for any travel involving a minor and an unrelated adult.

• Locker Rooms & Changing Areas
  No phones, cameras, or electronic devices may be used in changing areas. Parents are not allowed in locker rooms unless specifically authorized. Coaches and staff will conduct regular locker room checks.

• Massages & Athletic Training Modalities
  Any treatment (e.g., stretching, taping) must be performed by a licensed professional in a public space, with another adult present and written parent/guardian permission.

Safe Sport Training

Tucson Ford Aquatics strongly encourages all members to complete USA Swimming’s Safe Sport Training:

• Adult Participants (Coaches, Officials, Chaperones): Required annually.

• Athletes - Ages 18+): Required 

• Athletes (Ages 12–17): Recommended (with parental consent).

• Parents/Guardians: Recommended.

Training can be accessed on the USA Swimming website

Reporting a Concern

If you witness or experience conduct that violates MAAPP or Safe Sport principles:

• Report it immediately to the Head Coach or Safe Sport Coordinator (see team contacts on last page).

• You may also report directly to USA Swimming at: uscenterforsafesport.org/report-a-concern

All reports will be taken seriously, handled confidentially, and addressed according to USA Swimming and Safe Sport procedures.

Photography, Social Media & Privacy

• No photography or video recording is allowed in locker rooms or changing areas.

• During Practice, no photography or video recording is allowed on deck or in the stands.

• Public sharing of athlete photos must be done with written parental consent.

• Coaches will not share or tag minor athletes on personal social media accounts.

Team Travel & Chaperone Policy

• Coaches and athletes may not share accommodations unless the coach is a parent or legal guardian.

• All team travel must follow USA Swimming’s MAAPP guidelines.

• A minimum of two Safe Sport-trained adults must be present on team trips or off-site meets.

Our responsibility is to protect our athletes and promote a culture of respect, safety, and accountability. Safe Sport and MAAPP policies are a key part of that mission. By working together, we help ensure a safe and supportive environment for every swimmer at Tucson Ford Aquatics.