Maine Swimming, Inc. Halts All Activities Due to Governor Executive Order

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Maine Swimming, Inc. has halted all swimming activities for the time being after a recent spike in coronavirus cases in the state, per a letter sent out by General Chair Taylor Rogers printed in full beow. Governor Janet Mills issued a new executive order for “face coverings in public regardless of the ability to maintain physical distancing,” according to WABI News in Maine.

“We have recorded yet another day of record high case numbers. This deadly and dangerous virus is spreading all across our state,” Governor Mills said on November 4. “Protect your family. Protect a health care worker. Protect the elderly. Wear your face covering. Save lives. It is that simple.”

The letter below was obtained by Swimming World:

To Maine Swimming Athletes, Coaches, Club Leadership, Volunteers, and Families:

We write today to inform you that, as discussed during last night’s Emergency Meeting, effective immediately all swimming activities, including in-water practices, dryland training sessions, competitions, and other club activities under the jurisdiction of Maine Swimming, Inc. are suspended pursuant to the State of Maine’s Department of Economic & Community Development Community Sports Guidelines. Any violation of these guidelines is considered a violation of Governor Mill’s Executive Order issued on November 4, 2020 and punishable by the State of Maine with up to 6 months in county jail and up to a $1,000 fine.

We understand the implications of this decision and the impact it will have on our members. We have already reached out to the State of Maine to seek clarification on what constitutes individual swimming versus team swimming. Unfortunately, we received clear and decisive confirmation directly from the Commissioner of the DECD that “they did in fact intend ‘team swimming’ to mean all swim team-type activities, not only relay swimming events”.

We have now submitted a letter to the Governor requesting “team swimming” be reclassified as a “Low Risk” activity; however, until this happens we must all adhere to the “Moderate Risk” requirements which include a moratorium on “performing skill-building drills or conditioning at home, alone or with household members” until December 7, 2020 and “team-based practice with physically distanced group activities” until December 14, 2020.

The Athletes’ Committee will be hosting a town hall meeting tonight at 6 PM open to all athletes to discuss how they can all stay connected during this time and the Board of Directors will be meeting Monday at 8:00 PM to discuss our options and next steps. As always, this meeting is open to all registered members of Maine Swimming.

Please reach out if you have any questions.

Respectfully,

Taylor Rogers

General Chair

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Ryan Connell

3 years ago

Tyrants gonna tyrant.

Anne-Marie Tucker

3 years ago

Reply to Ryan Connell

Ryan Connell huh? It’s a health decision, not a political one. Painful, a real bummer, but tyranny? Nah!

Ryan Connell

3 years ago

Reply to Ryan Connell

Anne-Marie Tucker how many cases of COVID have been spread at swim practice?

Anne-Marie Tucker

3 years ago

As a swimmer, and as the parent of a swimmer, I will always fight for our great sport. But NOT at expense of people’s lives. Self-centered AH.

Ryan Connell

3 years ago

Reply to Anne-Marie Tucker

Anne-Marie Tucker there is inherent risk in swimming (as there is is in all of life’s activities). There is no need for a sport that provides much needed conditioning for scores of kids to grind to a halt over a virus that has an extremely low death rate.

Anne-Marie Tucker

3 years ago

Reply to Anne-Marie Tucker

Ryan Connell we obviously have a difference of opinion on “low death rate.” I hear your frustration (we ALL have that) but I was responding to your calling this decision tyranny. The kids will be alright. It’s the adults that worry me.

Jo Ellen Parkey

3 years ago

Reply to Anne-Marie Tucker

Anne-Marie Tucker As a coach, and the parent of a swimmer, I absolutely agree with you.

Ryan Connell

3 years ago

If this is ok, swim practice is ok.

3 years ago

If you are not sure of now many cases of Covid have been spread at a swim practice you should ask the Italian National team. And they were allegedly isolated. Not going home after practice to family or stopping to eat dinner or shop or whatever day to day activities people do. Sometimes without a mask in the USA because they are rebelling against “tyranny.” Or doing anything else but following science.

Katherine Hillock Mowid

3 years ago

Ugh! Here we go again ?

Mary

3 years ago

Thank goodness I live in FL. I feel for all the athletes in Maine…

Irene Theders

3 years ago