Teams,
I hope this e mail finds you all doing well. The past few days have been trying for our entire community, and hopefully we can provide a bright spot for everyone with a swim season. Another week brought another step in the right direction. Last week, Governor Kemp opened the door a little further, but not quite wide enough for us to give a full go ahead for the season. The move to allow groups of up to 25 people to gather is helpful and may be an opportunity for us to slowly ease our way into the water and a swim season. As we have maintained, we need to get to a scenario where groups of up to 50 people can gather to realistically and responsibly allow teams to begin practices and ultimately have virtual meets.
I know that teams are eager to get the full go ahead from ASA for the season, and trust me, we are just as eager to provide that green light. We know that you have a number of things to accomplish before starting practices. We set a target of June 8 to have a decision, and we will do all we can to provide that decision given the information and guidance we have in hand from state and local officials. As has been the case throughout this challenging situation, we are still dealing with a number of moving parts that are changing on a daily basis. Also factored in are the number of different county and city jurisdictions that govern our communities in the league.
Given the schedule of developments at the state level, we estimate that the next major announcement from the Governor will come either this Thursday, June 4 or next Thursday, June 11. And hopefully that will be a move to larger groups being allowed to gather. June 11 is a few days past the June 8 target we set, but we may ask for a few extra days to be able to get a clear go or no go on the season. It would be regrettable for us to make a call on June 8 and then find out a few days later that we got the answer we needed to make the season a reality.
One area of hope is that local pool management companies have been advising their pools that their pools can operate at 25-33% of their listed bather loads, which in most cases is closer to if not more than the 50 person target we are looking for. While this is welcome news, it is not something we have been able to fully clarify that is allowed by the local and state boards of health. If we can get a clear call on this, then we will make a call. However, at this point we have not gotten clear guidance that this is allowable.
In the meantime, if you have not done so already, you should be formulating your plan for a return to practice. This should include all steps that have to happen from swimmers arriving at the pool, entering the pool area, which areas of the pool and pool deck will be used for practice, how swimmers will maintain social distancing while at practice, and then leaving practice before the next group of swimmers comes into the pool. Hopefully, you have been communicating these steps with your families and how important they are to ensure the safest possible environment for your swimmers and families. If you already have plans in place and want to share those with us, please do so, as we are happy to share as much info as possible.
Several resources from local USS teams and USA Swimming have been shared in recent e mails. Those can be found at https://swimswam.com/return-to-training-under-social-distancing-rules-going-smoothly-for-swimatlanta/ and https://swimswam.com/dynamo-swim-club-to-resume-training-for-senior-group-only-on-thursday/ and https://www.usaswimming.org/docs/default-source/coaching-resourcesdocuments/covid-19-team-resources/facility-reopening-plan-guidelines.pdf?sfvrsn=8a533a32_2 While these provide good guidance for teams, they are by no means comprehensive. Teams should make sure they follow all steps required by their local health officials and pool management companies to provide the safest possible environment for their swimmers and families.
Thank you for recently completing the Google form to let us know what your team’s estimated status is for the season. I have put a recap of this info below. Please remember the team status is not set in stone, I know many of you are still in limbo. Some teams who are listed as competing this summer may end up not making it work, and some teams who are listed as being out for the summer will make it work and will swim. However, this will give you an idea of what teams are doing, and which teams may accept outside members. If your team’s status changes, please e mail me ASAP so I can plan accordingly. If you don’t see your team listed, please e mail me your status ASAP. We need that info to estimate the ribbon order and to ensure team’s that are swimming will have insurance coverage.
A recap of the advised steps from CDC and the state of Georgia regarding pool operation can be found at http://fultoncountyboh.org/boh/media/attachments/2020/05/20/covid-19-guidance-for-public-pools_5.13.20-002.pdf .
Guidance from the CDC regarding steps for providing a safer environment for your pool once it hopefully opens can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/parks-rec/aquatic-venues.html?fbclid=IwAR34WKnT9kJhPjauq5CPTZGEoYAMPgqGjv5K49ujzMFUUEr7MXVSRQAzTvk .
Your pool management companies should already be taking steps to ensure they follow these guidelines, but you will want to coordinate with them to do all that you can to safeguard your facility and teams. These companies have done a terrific job of keeping neighborhoods informed about what steps need to be followed to get your pools open and operating safely.
Thank you again for your patience throughout this situation. Your support and desire to make the swim season a reality mean the world to the league and all of your families. Each day seems to bring positive news that should allow us to have a season this summer. Thank you for remaining positive, I remain optimistic we will make this happen and hope to see you on deck this summer.
Updated Team Status – June 2, 2020
| Team Name | Team Status for 2020 | Accepting Outside Members |
| Aberdeen Breakers | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Brittany | Will Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Brookfield Country Club | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Brookwood Hills | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Capital City Club | Will Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Chartwell Challengers | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Chastain | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| City of Alpharetta | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Country Club of the South | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Deerbrooke Waters | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Dunmoor | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Dunwoody Country Club | Will Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Eagle Watch Eagle Rays | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Fieldstone Swim Team | Will Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Garden Hills | Will Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Georgetown | Will Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Glen At Grandview Wahoos | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Hampton Hall North | Will Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Hampton Hall Waves | Will Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Harrington Falls | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Haynes Landing | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Hillbrooke | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Horseshoe Bend CC Mustangs | Will Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Huntley Hills | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Oxford Mill | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Pennbrooke | Will Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Roswell Rapids | Will Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| The Branches | Will Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| The Falls of Autry Mill | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Three Chimneys Farm | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Towne Lake Sharks | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Tuxford Torpedoes | Will Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Wildwood Springs Stingrays | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Winding Vista | Will Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Windward Lake Club | Will Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Woodfield Waves | Will Have a Team | Will Accept Outside Members |
| Bradshaw Farm Barracudas | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Briarcliff Woods/Sagamore | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Briarmoor Manor | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| BridgeMill Barracudas | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Byrnwyck Blue Dolphins | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Cambridge Crocs | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| CC of Roswell | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Chattahoochee River Club | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Chattahoochee Whitecaps | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Clairmont | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Creekstone Barracudas | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Crooked Creek | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Decatur Gators | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Deer Run Dophins | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Deerfield SL | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Deerlake | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Doublegate Swim & Tennis | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Dunwoody North | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Echo Ridge | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Edenwilde | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Fontainebleau | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Gainsborough | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Glastonberry | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Glen Abbey Gators | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Glenwood Park | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Grand Cascades | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Hammond Hills | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Hanover West Swim Team | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Highland Park | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Huntcliff Spalding Woods | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Inverness | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Kingsley Raquet and Swim Club | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Lake Claire Wahoo Swim Team | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Lake Forest | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Laurel Brooke Lightning | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Laurel Springs | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Leafmore Dolphins | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Leslie Beach Club | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Lindmoor Woods | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Longlake Marlins | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Mark Trail/Princeton Square | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Mayfair / St. Clair | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Medlock Bridge | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Mill Glen | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Milton Mustangs | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Mountaire Park | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Neely Swim Team | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Northumberland Swim Club | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Nottaway Newts | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Olde Atlanta Club | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Orange Shoals Otters | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Pangborn Piranhas | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Pinewalk penguins | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Polo Dolphins | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Redfield | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| River Green | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Riverside North Harbor Streaks | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Roxboro Sharks | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Saddle Creek Dolphins | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Seven Oaks Tsunamis | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Shakerag Sharks | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Smoke Riske Sharks | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Spring Ridge Stingrays | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| St Ives Country Club | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| St. Marlo | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Stonebrier Stingrays | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Sugar Mill Sharks | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| TLH Tidal Waves | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Twin Lakes | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Venetian Poolsharks | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Vermack Swim Team | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Village Mill | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Wellington Waves | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Westhampton/Embry Hills Rays | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Wexford Waves | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| White Columns | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Windermere Waves | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Woodlands | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Woodmontt Wahoos | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Wyngate Waves | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Wynterhall | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
| Zaban Sharks | Will Not Have a Team | Will Not Accept Outside Members |
