Hello Dal Synchro!
Here is the announcement you have all been waiting for. Now that waivers have been completed, and registration confirmed, it is time to get started! First, an announcement regarding training groups. Since our initial September plan, the Nova Scotia government has loosened some restrictions on training group size, increasing it from 10 to 50. As a result, we have made the decision to move forward with 2 training groups for the club: the Novice group of 4 (plus 1 remote), and the Experienced group of 13 (plus 2 remote). These groups will remain distanced from one another, even when training in the same facility times.
Practice times and locations for this season are as follows: Novice: Tuesday & Saturday, Experienced: Tuesday, Saturday & Sunday
Saturdays, Dryland @ Dalplex Studio 2 from 4:45-5:45pm -> Both Groups, Coached by Jordan
Saturdays, Pool @ Dalplex Pool lanes 5-8 from 6-8pm -> Experienced Group, Coached by Jordan & Novice Group, Coached by Gretel
Sundays, Dryland @ Dalplex Studio 2 from 12:45-1:45pm -> Experienced Group Only, Coached by Caitlin M
Sundays, Pool @ Dalplex Pool lanes 5-8 from 2-4pm -> Experienced Group Only, Coached by Caitlin M
Tuesdays, Pool @ Dalplex Pool lanes 5-8 from 7:15-9:15pm -> Novice Group, Coached by Gretel & Experienced Group, Coached by Caitlin M
The first practice for both groups will be on Saturday, October 10th. We know that it is Thanksgiving this weekend and that some of you may not be able to make it. If this is the case, just send me an email or Whatsapp message to let us know, and we will see you Tuesday the 13th!
Because of the lifted group size restrictions, we are able to offer more pool time to each training group than originally anticipated. This may seem like an increased commitment for some of you. We’d like to re-emphasize, however, that the goals of the season have not changed and that skill-development is still the priority over competitions this season, given the flexible and uncertain nature of competitions. So, for those of you who feel you may not be able to attend all practices, do not worry, just let me know! It just means we have more time to offer and more practices for those who are able to make them!
Now, here is the IMPORTANT INFORMATION everyone needs to know regarding COVID protocols and procedures.
Please aim to arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled practice time. Earlier than 10 mins before, you will not be allowed into Dalplex, but later than that and the check-in and attendance requirements may mean for a late start to practice.
At the Dalplex entrance, you will be greeted by someone at the COVID-19 screening station. Let them know you are here for the Dalhousie Synchro Club practice, and will be doing screening with us. You are all now on the list for our club, and they will let you proceed through.
You MUST have your Dalcard/Dalplex membership card in order to access the facility. Scan your card and proceed directly to the Studio or Pool where practice is taking place. Remember, all change rooms are closed so you should be arriving at the pool with your bathing suit on under your clothing and ready to do the activities planned for that day.
When you arrive at the studio or pool, one of the members of the Executive will meet you at the entrance (look for Caitlin S, Caitlin M, Kayla, or Julia). Before proceeding to get in the pool, we will take attendance and conduct the COVID-19 screening questionnaire, which is attached to this email. For the safety of the rest of the team, please ensure the answer to all of those questions is no BEFORE you attend practice. This is not the year to come to practice sick, whether it is a cold or otherwise. Let’s keep ourselves and each other healthy!
Before coming to the first practice, please review this video and website that covers Dalplex restrictions. These will have to be followed when at the Dalplex. Most notably, masks must be worn at all times except when exercising.
Here is the list of things you should have with you whenever you come to practice:
Mask
Water Bottle (label to avoid accidental sharing)
Towel
Goggles
Nose Clips
Swim Cap
Come to practice wearing bathing suit
Clothes that you feel comfortable pulling on over your wet suit after practice, as locker rooms will not be available
At the end of practice, coaches will be building in about 10 minutes of time to allow you to towel off and pull your clothes over your bathing suit. At the time practice is scheduled to end, you must clear out of the facility immediately.
We will be discussing these restrictions during our first dryland time, and can address your questions at that time. This is new to all of us, so we will learn and adapt together! Also please be aware, now that we are seeing each other more regularly, most updates will be done in-person and via WhatsApp rather than over email. So please be sure that the app is downloaded, and you are checking it actively!
Looking forward to seeing you all this weekend, and I can’t wait for a great season!