Seals,

It is with great excitement that we are announcing our 2021 season! It has been too long since our kids were together swimming and enjoying great competition. While we are not returning to 2019, we are moving forward. Please read on for important information regarding this summer. I know that I do not have to say this but remember COVID is presenting new opportunities every day. While we plan, we cannot guarantee that things will not change. If we learned anything in 2020, it is that the only thing constant is change.

First off, we will be opening registration on March 15^th. In keeping with current recommendations, registration will be online and cashless only (no checks or cash will be accepted). Watch for a cashless Seal’s Café as well. All registrants will need to utilize the online link and a cashless payment method in order to secure their swimmer(s) a spot. In addition to the cashless registration, we will also be limiting our swim team numbers this year. Seals will only be able to accommodate about 70% of our previous season. These spots will be opened to returning swimmers initially and will be a first come first serve basis. Spots will be allocated by age group based on previous season numbers. Once the open spots are full, athletes will be put on a waiting list.  We plan to begin practice on April 19th.  Please watch the website and Facebook for updated locations and times.  

Due to the decreased capacity, we will not be holding rookie camp this year. For your child to be on the team, they must be able to cross the pool utilizing freestyle or back, unassisted and in a reasonable amount of time. Should you have questions about your child’s ability to cross the pool, please reach out to me directly and we will work with our coaches to assess abilities.

Our meets will also look different. Meets will be divided by age group and held on alternating Saturdays (see attached schedule). While this may present some logistical challenges for parents, it also allows us to control numbers at meets and allows swimmers the opportunity to compete this summer. Please know that we will still have volunteer positions that we will need to fill at each meet, whether hosted or travel meets.

NWAL has decided that we will not have Divisionals this year but Invitationals are still planned.  More information will be provided on Invitatioinals as it is provided.  We are continuing to rely on guidance from NWAL on procedures for our meets that may impact set up, viewing, mask use, waivers and other ancillary items. At this point, we believe that deck space will be limited, and mask use will be strongly encouraged along with social distancing. As always, the best way to guarantee a great view of your swimmer is as an official or as a volunteer. If you are interested in being an official, please let me or Jerry Tennison know and watch for emails from Bill regarding volunteer options.

I’m happy to answer any questions you may have as we all move forward with patience and excitement for the opportunities that our swimmers will have this summer. Thank you for being a Seal and for all you do to make this the best summer swim program around. Stay tuned for further updates and for the link to register.

Eddie Hamner

936-689-9449