Due to COVID uncertainties, we will all need to be flexible. Specifically, this is how things are likely to be different this season.

Pool: Finally, back in Faircrest's own pool. We will need to meet its requirements for COVID, likely a health check form and waiver for anyone entering the facility, every time. Also, since the community as a whole has been pool-starved these past three years, we are being especially sensitive to the team imposing on general use.

Mitigation: Beyond the pool's own rules, we have a number of mitigation protocols in mind, depending on the pandemic situation at the time. Our focus right now is restricting number of spectators on deck, and number of swimmers per lane at any given moment.

Ages: Sadly, COVID restrictions and limiting spectators (i.e., parents) make it impossible for us to properly serve the youngest swimmers as we usually would. This year, both Cyclones team and Mini-Cyclones have a minimum age of 7 (as of 12 June). On the plus side, the League has made a special decision to allow 19 year olds to swim, since they missed their "senior" season last summer (can't set records or get a scholarship, though).

Practices: From June 1 to June 11 (school year), we will be having 4 sessions, in 2-4 lanes, one hour each 4:30-8:30pm Mon-Fri. Sorted roughly by age, based on school "release" times. Details to follow. Starting June 14, the main practices will be in the morning, whole pool, 3 one-hour sessions from 7am-10am Mon-Fri. From June 14, we will also offer limited evening practices, in just 2 lanes, 3 one-hour sessions from 5:30-8:30pm. Choose your preference for the bulk of the season at registration. All season, we will have a Sunday morning, full team session from 9am-10am. As to which specific session (one per day, maximum, please!) your swimmer will attend, we try to sort by age and ability, to maximize fun and coaching efficacy. We will do our best to accommodate your needs, which we will determine in the first few sessions, but note that evening lane-space is very limited. Mini-Cyclones, unfortunately, are at this point restricted to the morning sessions, starting June 14.

Meets: Meets are expected to be virtual this summer, to alleviate the most crowded of swim functions (but also one of the most fun, sadly). What this means is that the meets are scheduled as normal, but each team competes by itself, in its own pool, and they then compare times afterward.  We expect to meet most Saturday mornings for this, though the meets will run faster using all 6 lanes for our team. For meets scheduled Wednesday evenings, we will likely not take over the whole pool, but instead take times during practice Monday through Wednesday. While this may seem to make the "meets-only" registration option less attractive, we are still offering it, and such swimmers are welcome as usual at Sunday practices and at any practice when we need their times for a meet.

Social events: We have no specifics at this time for team social events...none! Depends entirely on what we can safely do, and, perhaps more critically, on what all of you parents think we can do. So, a formal call-out to submit your ideas. Volunteer points for organizing one. Or more.

Equipment: Since we won't be formally meeting any other teams in-person, there's little need for team identity through "uniforms." So, no team caps required or offered this year (we have a few in stock if you're desperate); also, our normal manufacturer is in China, with some delivery issues. Caps still recommended, though: navy, orange, and white are good color choices. No team suit required, either, though you'll need a competitive suit: one-piece for girls, briefs or jammers for boys, color navy if at all possible. In past seasons (and probably future) we used Tyr Durafast Elite (Diamondback style for girls). An excellent choice, available through SwimOutlet or locally at Metro Swim at 11215-K Lee Hwy in Fairfax. Goggles, too, of course: your choice.

Fees: Much as usual. $180 for team, discount for additional swimmers; $130 for meets-only; $95 for Mini-Cyclones. Additional $25 per swimmer for non-residents to become limited members of the pool.