2026–2027 team expectations. These expectations supplement the McLean Athletics Handbook. School, FCPS and VHSL requirements apply; school policy controls if any team wording differs.
Eligibility & registration
Before participating, athletes must complete school athletic registration, have a current VHSL physical on file, and receive required eligibility clearance. The MSD interest form and tryout day signup do not replace school registration.
The handbook requires enrollment in at least five courses, five courses passed in the previous semester, compliance with VHSL age and applicable transfer requirements, and enrollment and good standing at McLean. Contact school athletics staff with eligibility questions.
Practice & meet attendance
Regular practices begin the week of November 16 following tryouts. See the current schedule for every practice date, times and cancellations.
- Attend at least two practices per week unless coaches approve a reduced requirement, including one practice per week when appropriate. Discuss weeks with holidays or cancellations with coaches.
- Arrive on time and participate actively.
- Attend scheduled team meets, meetings and team activities, including meets where you are not competing, unless excused by coaches. Regional and state attendance is based on team selection.
- Plan to be available for the Liberty District meet and communicate conflicts before tryouts.
- Stay for both swimming and diving portions of meets unless coaches approve an early departure.
Academic obligations and family emergencies may be excused. Communicate foreseeable absences in advance and unexpected emergencies as soon as possible. Approved absences are handled individually. Unexcused absences or failure to meet team expectations may affect meet participation, lettering or team membership, consistent with school policy.
School & club commitments
Students may participate on school and community teams, but school team commitments take priority when schedules conflict. Club meets do not automatically excuse a school absence; discuss conflicts with coaches in advance. Participation on two school teams during the same season requires both coaches’ and the Director of Student Activities’ approval.
Conduct & sportsmanship
Academics come first. Follow the school Student Rights and Responsibilities requirements, demonstrate integrity, and respect teammates, opponents, officials and coaches. Offensive, discriminatory, harassing or unsportsmanlike conduct, including social media posts, may lead to school and team consequences.
McLean has a zero-tolerance hazing policy. The handbook states that students involved in hazing will be removed from the team and may face further school consequences; staff who encourage, permit or ignore hazing are also subject to discipline.
Varsity letters
- Complete the season in good standing.
- Meet team attendance requirements, with approved absences and attendance adjustments taken into account.
- Demonstrate positive sportsmanship and citizenship.
- Follow team and school expectations throughout the season.
The handbook permits additional lettering requirements for sports without freshman/JV teams. Coaches will communicate any additional requirements clearly in advance. Team social activities should support inclusion; raise academic, family or financial barriers with coaches.
Meet participation
Making the varsity team does not guarantee competing at meets. Lineups depend on demonstrated skills, effort, attitude, team needs and commitment. We strive to give every swimmer relay opportunities at meets and an individual-event opportunity during the season, but these are goals rather than guarantees.
Uniforms & financial access
Swimmers wear a team cap and an approved team-color suit for competitive meets. The suggested $80 Team Donation is optional and highly encouraged. It includes a silicone team cap, team T-shirt and banquet meal. A required swimmer cap can also be purchased for $15; the optional shirt is $20, and a banquet meal can be purchased separately. Donations, optional purchases and fundraising participation are not conditions of joining the team. Financial circumstances will not prevent participation; contact Coach Phil privately about required equipment needs.
Communication
Whenever possible, the student-athlete speaks with the coach first, followed by a parent discussion and then administration if needed. Parents may raise concerns about their child’s physical or emotional well-being. Meet strategy and lineups remain coaching decisions.
The handbook asks parents and coaches to wait at least 24 hours after a contest before discussing concerns. Urgent safety or health concerns should be reported promptly.