Hi everybody,

We learned roughly 36 hours ago that the NVSL is cancelling the swim season. Their message is below, but boils down to the fact that they couldn't come up with a way to meet health guidelines and have a season that was manageable and safe. We are extremely disappointed in this outcome, but the matter is now out of our hands. I know a primary question many will have is whether LPRC will open at all. Unfortunately, we just don't know yet. We are preparing to open if and when we can and will keep you posted. 

We are particularly sad for our Lazer seniors, who will not get their final victory lap. Rest assured that we are thinking of ways to honor our seniors and details on that will be forthcoming. 

We want to maintain our community. To that end, we are planning a virtual "Pizza with the coaches" night when we can see everybody who wants to log into a Zoom meeting, we can tell you some of our thoughts, and we can answer some questions. Details on that will follow. Unfortunately, even though we want to feed you, it will have to be Bring Your Own Pizza. 

We want to know whether people are interested in merchandise; if there's sufficient demand, we are willing to offer merchandise, and the proceeds will benefit LPRC. Please fill out the questionnaire at this link; if people want it, we'll offer it. 

As I have noted previously, whatever happens with the swim season, LPRC has already spent and will have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to maintain the pool, tennis courts, and grounds. Add to that the cost of repair and replacement of a 63-year old facility, and the current crisis is placing severe stress on the finances and future of LPRC. Therefore, please if you have the means, consider registering for LPRC and/or for the swim team with the idea that some or all of these registration fees will be designated as a donation even if we have a shortened season or no season at all. Obviously, anyone who registers for the swim team after this point will simply be making a donation, but we don't know the destiny of our membership fees. 

We miss all of you and hope all of you are well. We will keep in touch and keep you informed. Please let us know if you have any questions, please fill out the questionnaire, please plan to attend the virtual pizza with the coaches meeting, and please be as generous with LPRC as your means allow. 

Stay safe.

Kate and Andy

NVSL Message:

Dear NVSL Swimmers, Divers, Families, Volunteers and Sponsors,

Planning for the 2020 season began even as the 2019 season came to a close. We eagerly looked forward to commemorating our 65^th anniversary as a league of more than 17,000 incredible swimmers and divers. As we know, the spread of the COVID-19 virus resulted in significant changes in our plans and daily lives. Despite our best efforts to gather as much information about the implications of COVID-19 to confidently hold a potential season, we have reached the difficult decision that the 2020 season must be canceled. We feel profound sadness knowing the disappointment this will cause, but the decision was made to prioritize the safety of our participants, supporters, and communities.

Over the last eight weeks, both the Executive Board and the full League Board met more than a dozen times to monitor the ongoing developments related to COVID-19. We gathered input from public health officials, as well as elected and appointed representatives from all levels of government. Most importantly, we sought input from all 102 teams through the 17 Division Coordinators. The common thread in the feedback, along with the disappointment of missing a special summer tradition, was the commitment to health and safety. The Board greatly appreciates the constructive conversations that advanced the discussion on the status of the 2020 season. We took into account as much information as we could to determine whether the League could operate in a safe and healthy way that did not put overwhelming logistical and organizational pressure on the League’s teams. The final vote of the Board in favor of cancellation was 19 in favor, 2 opposed and 3 abstentions.

We expect that teams will have many questions, and we will work quickly to answer where possible. At this moment, we can assure you of the following:

-Senior swimmers and divers will have the opportunity to apply for 2020 NVSL scholarships.

-Team dues will be fully refunded.

We are looking ahead and already planning how to make the 2021 season the best one yet.

Sincerely,

The NVSL Executive Board