Welcome back, Piranha Families!

We are happy to welcome you and Coach Frankie Crispino to PCST 2021! More than anything, we want our kids together in the pool for healthy summer fun. Flexibility and creative problem solving will be paramount these next several months. Below are current planning thoughts regarding a successful 2021 season. All are subject to change based on current/changing local health regulations.

Practices: At this time, it appears participant numbers for each practice may be limited. As a result, we may continue with the four practice structure we used for our 2020 summer camp. To accommodate more swimmers, the early morning practice may be a bit earlier. In addition, the last 8 and under practice time may be reduced from one hour to 45 minutes to be more in line with the age group’s endurance level. Practices will be more ability-based than age-based and practice times may be assigned based on known abilities.

Spring Swims: Unfortunately, weekend Spring Swim sessions will likely not occur this year. If that changes, we’ll be in touch.

Swimmer Ability Assessment: For new swimmers, we often use the Spring Swims to assess ability. As this won’t be possible in 2021, we’ll likely conduct an assessment the week prior to practice start. All minimum requirements in order for a swimmer to participate in PCST are listed in our guidelines on Swimtopia (under About, Team Handbook). As a brief reminder, swimmers 8 and under are required to swim 1 length (25m) without stopping or assistance and swimmers 9 and up are required to swim 2 lengths (50m) without stopping and or assistance.

Meets: We are working with SJSL on a meet structure. Again, we will be adhering to the local health regulations applicable at the time of swim team. Meets may be virtual which means each team may compete at their individual home pool on the Saturday of the scheduled dual meet and then combine times to determine placement. We have also discussed holding two separate meet sessions (for example: 8 and under with 15 and over for one session; 9-14 for a second session) to reduce numbers at the pool at any given time. We’ve heard the Ken Caryl pool is complete and gorgeous, so, while we’re planning for restrictions, we’ll hope for traditional meets.

Meet Spectators: We have to acknowledge that spectators may not be allowed at swim meets. Again, this will be based on applicable health regulations at the time of summer swim team. LPS just communicated that one spectator per swimmer is now allowed at high school swim meets. This is subject to change and just an example of the types of restrictions that may be in place come summer. We will have plans in place to assist younger swimmers during the meets should parents not be allowed to attend.

2021 Gear List: There will be a new team suit for 2021! A new suit is chosen every two years. While many may not have used their 2019/2020 suit much last year, PCST swimmers grow, so a new suit will be added to the team store. As always, a team suit is recommended but never required. As shared equipment is frowned upon these days, we are going to add a kickboard to the team store this year as we’re going to ask that all swimmers have their own. While a kickboard will be required, the kickboard on the team store will not be required. Kickboards in age-appropriate sizes are widely available.

PCST 2021 Schedule: Please note this is in draft form and very subject to change.

June 1: First day of morning practice @ Normandy

June 5: Dual Meet 1

June 12: Dual Meet 2

June 19: Dual Meet 3

June 21: Team Pictures @ Normandy Pool

June 23: Gator Open @ Governors Ranch

June 25/26: Ken Caryl Invite-qualification meet

July 3: Holiday bye week, no meet

July 10: Dual Meet 4

July 17: Dual Meet 5

July 24: League Championships

July 30-Aug1: State Meet

Registration: We will be sending a Google Survey to all current and prospective PCST families regarding their registration intentions for summer 2021 in March. This pre-registration will allow us to better design practice times and sizes as well as determine the 2021 rate structure. Please fill out this form when received.

Please reach out to any board member or Coach Frankie with questions. We look forward to seeing PCST this summer.

https://pcpiranhas.swimtopia.com/

Best

PCST Board