Dear Mt. View Marlins Families,

We’re proud of the positive, family-focused environment our team fosters. To protect the safety, privacy, and integrity of our swimmers, we strictly enforce a No Filming or Photography at the Start or Turn End of the Pool policy at all meets. This is not just our rule, but a league rule done for safety. 

Ahead of our meet tomorrow and invitationals this week we wanted to clarify and further explain this rule as it is the one that is most often broken by parents/grandparents at meets. 

This rule isn’t unique to us—it’s a requirement set by our league under PIAA, as well as other swim organizations such as USA Swimming and USA Safe Sport. While recording a race may seem harmless, the areas behind the blocks and at the turn ends are sensitive zones. Filming in these areas can create safety risks, rule violations, and the potential for digital misuse—especially involving minors.

🚫 Why This Policy Matters

🧒 1. Protecting Swimmer Privacy and Physical Safety

The start and turn ends of the pool are where swimmers are:

• Least covered due to dive entries or suit adjustments
• Physically vulnerable as they prepare to launch or flip
• Most at risk of unexpected suit malfunctions or wardrobe issues

These are not appropriate areas to capture on video—especially when other children may be included without their parents’ consent. Many families, including those on our own team, have only given permission for internal photo/video use, not public or online sharing. We also do not have consent to record swimmers from other teams or know their families’ privacy preferences.

🌐 2. Digital Safety: Where Footage Can End Up

In today’s online world, even well-meaning videos can quickly be:

• Uploaded publicly to TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook
• Downloaded, screen-recorded, edited, and misused by others
• Circulated far beyond your original intent or control

Unfortunately, predators do target youth content, especially videos showing children in swimwear. Even “private” or unlisted videos can be screen-captured and shared inappropriately. In an age where social media accounts are frequently hacked or compromised, you may not know who is accessing your content or for what purpose.

Filming from start or turn ends—where swimmers are most exposed—greatly increases the risk of that footage being misused.

👮 3. League and Facility Rules

Our league and governing bodies (PIAA, USA Swimming, and USA Safe Sport) strictly prohibit filming or photography:

• Behind starting blocks or at the turn ends
• In designated competition, athlete-only, or restricted-access areas
• In staging areas (often located behind the blocks), warm-up pools, or anywhere that could interfere with meet officials or timers

Violating these policies may result in:

• Removal from the facility
• Disqualification of a swimmer, especially in repeated or willful violations by said swimmer(s)
• Reporting to the league for further review

🧠 4. Respecting the Athlete’s Focus and Comfort

Swimmers—especially young athletes—deserve the ability to compete without the pressure of being filmed from uncomfortable or vulnerable angles. Cameras placed at the start or turn ends can disrupt focus and create anxiety for swimmers and families who do not want to be recorded.

Confidence, concentration, and comfort are essential to performance, particularly for our youngest team members.

✅ What You Can Do

We absolutely support team spirit and memory-making! Here’s how to safely and respectfully support your swimmer:

• Filming is permitted from the side of the pool between the backstroke flags, while seated in spectator areas at appropriate facilities
• Photos and videos may be taken before or after races in non-restricted areas like the team tent, concession areas, or team seating
• In some cases, photos may be allowed in staging areas—but only where clearly permitted by meet staff or facility signage such as invitationals
• Cheer loudly and enthusiastically—with your voice, not your camera

This allows you to celebrate your swimmer while protecting their safety and complying with league policies.

💬 Final Thoughts: It’s About Protecting All Kids

We understand how meaningful it is to watch your swimmer race—and we share your pride. But our highest responsibility is to protect all children involved in our sport.

What feels like a keepsake to one parent may be a serious privacy concern—or worse, a safety risk—when posted or shared online. This is more than a rule. It’s a protection policy built on safety, responsibility, and respect.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Coach Jess, who serves as a league officer and is currently in her 13th year as league secretary, or speak with one of our parent leaders or longtime families on the team.

Thank you in advance for following our league policies and ensuring a safe environment for all swimmers both on Mt. View and other teams. 

Jess