Swim England developing plans to enable competitions in all disciplines to resume

Swim England is developing detailed plans to enable competitions to resume across all its disciplines.

The Framework for Resuming Competitive Activity will define how national, regional, county and club events can take place with coronavirus restrictions in place.

It will be further supplemented by guidance to support clubs, counties and regions in the planning and delivery of competitions in line with Government guidelines.

The Framework for Resuming Competitive Activity will outline the different phases of how aquatic sports can begin competing again under social distancing measures and will be adaptable to any changing restrictions imposed by the Government.

George Wood, Swim England Sport Development Director, said: “We know our clubs and members are keen to see a return to competitive activity.

“The Discipline Leadership Groups recognise the importance of competitions which is why we’ve been working hard to develop options and possibilities for national events next year – as well as at regional, county and club level.

“It’s important we can advise clubs, counties and regions on the safest way to stage competitions and events as well.

“The Competitions and Events Guidance which will be developed as part of the framework will detail the operational considerations, plans and risk assessments required to be implemented in order to deliver Covid-secure competitive activity and will be updated regularly.”

Before the Framework for Resuming Competitive Activity is released, Swim England will need to ensure plans for each discipline returning to action have been signed off by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Water polo has been given the green light to resume training and competitive matches and guidance for artistic swimming has also been sent in to Westminster and is awaiting approval.

Plans for swimming and diving will be submitted imminently.

George added: “We’re delighted that water polo has got the go-ahead to resume and hope that artistic swimming will soon be given the all-clear.

“The swimming plan is a little bit more complicated due to the amounts of people that are on poolside at any one time and we are looking at how events can be safely run while adhering to the guidelines that are in place.

“Our swimming and diving plans will be submitted very shortly and, once approved, we will be in a position to finalise the Framework for Resuming Competitive Activity and look at how we can get our competitions up and running again.”

In the meantime, Swim England will soon be announcing details of a new virtual swimming competition – Level X.

George added: “Level X is an exciting event which will enable swimmers to compete against others from across the country within the comforts of their own club training sessions.

“We’re looking to launch the competition in mid-October and details of the format will be announced very soon.

“Of course, we know a number of clubs might still not be back in the water as some pools are still shut but we are continuing to lobby the Government for the funding that will enable them to open once again.”