Breaking: MCSL Not Under COVID-19 Protocols

Wilson Faucette - Garrett Park Estates, MD - 5.25.2021 - 7:56

Despite being no COVID-19 Protocols, this probably won't take place this year Photo: Garrettparkladybugs.org

Notice on MCSL.org

MCSL has released a notice on their website from the MCSL Board. The statement goes over that teams do not have to follow COVID Protocols anymore, that A meets will be run regularly this year, and recommending mask wearing and social distancing. This comes after Montgomery County revealed that on May 28, there will be a full reopening, and county residents will now be subject to any state guidance. 

No More COVID-19 Protocols

MCSL says that they have removed their COVID-19 protocol for this swim season in cooperation with county officials. They say that they took into consideration Montgomery County's reopening phase 3, State policies, and CDC guidance. 

Practices and Meets 

Each team is permitted to run practices however they want now. However, the board is encouraging teams to use some of the COVID practice policies that had originally been planned. A meets will be run as they had been before the pandemic without limits of athletes, officials, or volunteers. MCSL is encouraging people to social distance, and to purchase electronic whistles. They say that MCSL Divisionals will be split into three dual meets as had been originally planned. There will be no A or All star relay carnivals this year. MCSL is discussing Long Course and All Stars with Rockville Swim Center.

No Masks

MCSL says that team reps voted not to have masking requirements at A meets unless the home team requires masks. However, they do encourage everyone to wear masks, especially because a lot of swimmers are 12 & under and cannot yet get vaccinated.

A Wrench In The Plans

The new reopening phases from the county, state, and federal levels threw a wrench in the careful planning that the MCSL board and individual team reps had done to prepare for a season under COVID-19 protocols. MCSL reps have met more than 4 times as a group since February, and the MCSL Board had two waivers approved for COVID Policy. All of their planning has since become irrelevant.

What do you think about this new MCSL guidance? Let us know in the comments below.