Issues to be Considered by the MCSL Rules Committee in Rendering Team Transfer Request Decisions
Background
MCSL was founded and organized as a league promoting team competition at the local community/neighborhood level. To this end it is MCSL’s desire that swimmers compete for their local community/neighborhood pool and the swimmer and family not seek to change pools unless there is a change of residence.
MCSL recognizes that since its inception the county population and number of public and private pools have grown exponentially and as a result families and swimmers have numerous options when choosing a summer pool, including options that are not proximate to their residence. It is not MCSL’s intent to place a geographic limit on a family’s options with respect to which summer pool or MCSL swim team they choose. However, once a family has established membership at a local pool and a swimmer has begun competing for an MCSL swim team, it is MCSL’s strong preference that the swimmer continues to compete for that team unless the family changes residence.
MCSL recognizes that circumstances arise that may necessitate a family to request approval from the league for a change of team and the league has granted the Rules Committee the responsibility and authority to rule on such requests under the conditions specified under Section 7(h) of the MCSL Rules.
MCSL strives to foster team competition within a fair and equitable environment and the Board has the mandate to maintain stability and competitive fairness within the league.
Circumstances to be assessed by the Rules Committee in granting or denying team transfer requests include, but are not limited to, the following:
Has there been a significant change in family circumstance that requires a change in team and does the new team alleviate the problem?
If the swimmer requests a transfer to a team that is not proximate to the swimmer’s residence or day care provider, why is the request being made?
Is there any evidence that the swimmer and family was recruited or incentivized to change teams?
Will the swimmers transfer significantly strengthen either individually or in conjunction with other requested transfers, the team for which the swimmer desires to transfer into?
Are there multiple requests to transfer into the same team and/or is there a history of transfer requests into the same team that might give rise to concerns that recruitment is taking place?
Rules Committee decision process
Given MCSL’s mandate with respect to maintaining a fair and stable competitive environment, transfer requests will not only be reviewed on their own merits but will also be reviewed in conjunction with other requests to transfer into the same team.
The Rules Committee will rule on all transfer requests on or about May 15th.
All transfer request decisions are final and not subject to protest.
