Practice Policies
1. Swimmers are expected to have FUN!
2. Swimmers are expected to display good sportsmanship at all times.
3. Swimmers are expected to attend practice and be on time.
4. Swimmers are also expected to be respectful towards coaches and other volunteers.
Inclement Weather Policy
The Montclair swim team follows the American Red Cross guidelines for thunderstorms. There will be a 30 minute waiting period after the first sighting of lightning or sound of thunder before swimmers can re-enter the pool area. Any subsequent lightning or thunder will require an additional 30 minute waiting period.
Practices: We will hold practice during rain, but will have swimmers exit the pool if the rain gets too heavy and the coaches cannot see the bottom of the pool. For thunder or lightning, we will postpone if possible and cancel when necessary. When a cancellation/postponement occurs, we'll send a Swimtopia alert. We will wait until 1 hour before practice begins to announce any changes or cancellations since the weather can change or move through quickly. Please do not email us to inquire about meet or practice status as we will likely not know the status until it's announced and would not be able to get back to you in a timely manner. If no notice is sent, then please assume practice is on as scheduled. If practice is cancelled after we have all arrived, I will still send out an alert. So again, download the Swimtopia app to help us communicate most efficiently!
Meets: Please note that the practice guidelines apply only to the practices. The CSRA Swim League's policy is included below. Because we have a very short season and rescheduling is very difficult, we will try to swim if it is possible. Make up days will be on Thursday for regular meets and on Wednesday for the Divisional meet. Please keep those open if at all possible. Notifications will be made through Swimtopia to keep everyone informed.
Notification: We use the Swimtopia app for communication. Make sure to enable notifications to receive alerts on your phone, which will include weather cancellation and delays as well as any other urgent messages.
Lightning/Thunder Rules for CSRA Swim League 2026 Season
1. The official app to be used to gauge lightning distance is “My Lightning Tracker” App. Set target area for 10 miles.
2. All teams will follow the guidance of the American Red Cross for pool evacuation and pause of a meet due to inclement weather:
a. If you hear thunder, check the app. If lightning is showing within TEN MILES (10 miles) on the radar app circle, you MUST clear the pool immediately
b. Sometimes you may see lightning before the thunder; we will follow The 30/30 Rule: If you hear thunder less than 30 seconds after seeing lightning (meaning the storm is close enough to strike), the pool must be cleared.
c. Wait Time: Do not re-enter the pool until 30 minutes have passed since the last sound of thunder or flash of lightning.
d. Action: Immediately exit the water and move to a safe, fully enclosed area (not a picnic shelter or under a tree).
e. If after 30 minutes the storm has not passed and there is still thunder/lightning, the meet will need to be called and rescheduled (as not to keep anyone at the pool for an additional hour if not needed)
