Dear Brookside Swimmers & Parents,
I hope you are all doing well and staying safe during this COVID-19 pandemic. As Governor Murphy has now lifted the restrictions on outdoor pools and youth sports, we are moving forward to put together some semblance of a summer swim season for Brookside. At this time, the NJSDC conference has left it up to individual clubs as to whether or not they will compete this year and to put together their own schedules. As soon as we know which team in the conference will have a team this season, we will start working on a schedule. The meets we will have will most likely be what are called “virtual meets” and they are the current “rage” across the country. They will consist of having a meet on a given day, with each team swimming at their own pool, and consolidating results to score the meet. It will be different, but fun! However, unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that there will be a League Championship Meet or Conference Meet this season due to our circumstances.

For now, we are focused on setting up a start date and practice times. We are looking to start practices on Tuesday, June 23^rd (confirmation of the date and group practice times will be posted to the web site). As you can imagine, there will be many new procedures and protocols for practices and meets, and Brookside is making every effort to keep everyone as safe as possible. We will have entry & exit procedures, smaller groups and distancing in the pool and on the deck. Having said that, please know that there are risks associated with being at the swim club, just as there are with going to the store, picking up or sitting outdoors at a restaurant or any other previous “normal” activity. We understand if you choose not to be on the team this year, but at the same time, if you are ready to come out of quarantine and have a little fun, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!

Registration for the 2020 season will be open immediately and current Brookside members will be given first priority over from today through Wednesday, 6/17 (click the “Register Now” button on our website www.brookside.swimtopia.com). After which we will accept registrations from new members. We will take registrations until we reach what we believe is the maximum number of swimmers we can take, while still be able to manage smaller groups and distancing. All swimmers must fill out the registration form on our web site (same as in previous years), be a member of the pool club, and agree to the parent work obligations and also to the COVID-19 waiver. If you have any questions, please contact me or Amy Ryan ([email protected]).

Hope to see you next week!

Coach Courtney