February1, 2021
To: Club Presidents, and Association Members;
RE: 2021 Summer Swim Season Update
In a commitment to keep Alberta Summer Swimming Clubs and Membership informed of new and changing information, we wanted to provide the following update:
I know we are all doing our best to navigate to the COVID-19 pandemic and I thank you for patience and understanding as we work through this. We are pleased to share that we are anticipating a Summer Swim Season for 2021. What the season will look like will greatly depend on what the restrictions are at the time. In the event the situation is such that traditional racing is not possible a virtual racing series will be available to clubs. It is our intention to follow up with a season plan as time gets closer and we have a better idea of what things look like.
Affiliation
Traditionally February 1 begins our registration and affiliation process. This year ASSA will begin the process on or about April 1st with swimmer registration beginning May1st. Clubs can expect the process to look different this year and we will be providing training sessions in the coming months. Clubs should expect to see affiliation packages start to arrive in your listed email around mid-March.
8 and Under Age Group
The 8 and under age group will be permitted to register this year. Those under 8 should be able to swim one length of the pool, be comfortable in the water and be able to follow all protocols/guidelines as it relates to COVID-19 (distancing, masking when required, etc.) Clubs will be required to follow all Swim Alberta and Alberta Health Services rules and restrictions for social distancing. Swimmers registering must complete the Competitions Readiness standards.
Resources for Clubs, Coaches and Mental Health
Swim Alberta has been working tirelessly to compile a series of resources that are available to the ASSA Membership. Whether your club is looking for financial support (including AGLC), mental health or coaching, you can find the most updated information here.
Coach Requirements
Coach compliance deadline is 1 June 2021.
In addition to the requirements listed in the Coach Registration and Minimum Requirements policy, all coaches must also complete either the Respect in Sport Activities Leaders module or the Safe Sport module. As well signing the Acknowledgement & Assumption of Risk form and agreeing to abide by the policies of Swimming Canada.
Respect in Sport – https://swimming-canada.respectgroupinc.com / Safe Sport – https://safesport.coach.ca/participants-training
Coach courses – Register for courses here: https://edu.swimming.ca/index.php?province=AB&search=clinic_module&module=&new_year=2021&p age=245
Swimming 101 – March 27 & 28 and April 2 & 3 – online Community Coach – April 10 & 11 – online
Swimming 101 – April 17 & 18 and April 24 & 25 – online
Clubs can post ads but going to the job listings please on https://csca.org/
We continue to work behind the scenes to develop contingency plans that support the continuity of our summer program so that swimmers can continue to achieve their goals and reach a successful outcome. Our membership should be assured that the ASSA will not rush to make quick decisions that have unintended consequences for the future, both short and long term. This is not to say that decisions are not being made, or that the hard decisions for the future are not being addressed, only that the responses and decisions from last summer that were more easily made, are not necessarily the responses and decisions that need to be provided today. It is difficult to predict the degree of impact that this virus will have on our swimming community but I know we will continue to draw together to meet this unprecedented challenge. I am deeply grateful for how our community is facing this challenge and transitioning to our new reality.
Our number one priority is the health and safety of our Summer Swimming community. We will continue to update you as information becomes available to us. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have (albertasummerswimming@gmail.com)
Kind regards,
Lynnette Thoresen President – ASSA