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MCSL Executive Board Regarding 2021 Swim Season
February 11, 2021
When we convened almost one year ago, we were all hopeful for a return to a traditional swim season in 2021. That remains our hope. We are aware, however, that the MCSL is subject to rules and restrictions put forth by the county and the state government as they pertain to the coronavirus pandemic. Though COVID-19 vaccines provide optimism regarding the end to this global pandemic, the timing of a return to “normal” is still unknown. We simply do not have a clear understanding of the situation and restrictions that will be in place during the upcoming season.
What we can tell you is that the MCSL Executive Board is committed to holding a 2021 season. At this time, we do not know exactly what that season will look like. We would love to return to traditional swim competition as in the past, but we must consider that the format of our competitive season may need to be altered.
The Board has been looking at and discussing the various formats under which we could conduct our season this summer. Until we have more clarity as to the restrictions under which we will be operating, we cannot answer questions as to what the exact format of the season will be as it pertains to not only dual meets, but also divisional and championship meets. At the very least, we expect to have a virtual dual meet season.
Though the pandemic and the vaccination process are changing and evolving, and we are unable to make any firm decisions regarding season 2021, we are planning a way forward. In conjunction with our Coaches Advisory committee, and on behalf of our member teams, we will be engaging in dialogue with the MOCO Dept. of Health to determine our options for holding practices and meets. We will take the lead in providing operating scenarios for the county to review. We hope for clarity at the earliest date, but it may be unlikely that we will have final answers regarding this summer’s season before April.
As we continue this process, we need some input regarding the status your pools and teams. We realize the pandemic has had a negative effect on the financial situations of many pools, and we suspect it is possible that some pools may not be able to return for season 2021. Please take these next few weeks to contact your pool and swim team boards and discuss prospects for a 2021 operating season.
We will be sending an electronic survey toward the end of February that all team reps must compete before the March meeting. While there may be additional information requested, the most important information you will be asked to provide is the likelihood of your team’s participation this summer:
- Highly likely
- Likely
- Not Very Likely
- Will Not have a Team for season 2021.
Please know that as of March, a team’s response is not binding. Things are evolving and much is yet unknown, but this early information will help us plan. Eventually, an obligatory deadline will be established for teams to confirm their participation.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this important subject.
Information from the 2020 season cancellation, including the original plan for 19 year olds, is available here.
If you need to look at results for years prior to 2013, they are available at http://mcsl.org/results/2012/results.php.
Montgomery Magazine has a great article about MCSL in their June/July 2016 issue. Read it here.
Need travel directions to a pool? Visit MCSL.org from your smart phone for quick access to maps and team contact information.
