Corona Virus
The ESSA management board continue to monitor the advice from government and Swim England as it affects schools and swimming sports (including Diving and Water Polo).
Whilst it has proved impractical to hold the Primary Schools Team Championships in 2021, ESSA are hopeful that the restrictions will be sufficiently relaxed later this year to allow some swimming competitions to be held in the 2021-22 academic year.
We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust plans as required. The following are the effects on the usual ESSA events anticipated for 2021:
The 26th ESSA Primary Schools' Team Championships (due to be held in June 2021)
It is with regret that the ESSA announce the cancellation of the ESSA Primary Teams Championships for 2020-21. Whilst several alternative formats for the qualifying round and national finals were considered, ultimately there was no possibility of holding this competition within the current restrictions.
The 63rd ESSA Secondary Schools' Team Championships (due to be held in November 2021)
The London Aquatic Centre has been booked for 20th November 2021 to hold the National finals. It looks likely that the qualification rounds could be held in September/early October, possibly with some changes to format to accommodate any residual restrictions. A firm decision, together with an announcement of any revisions to the competition conditions, will be made in the summer in time for the return of schools after the summer holidays. Schools/Colleges are invited to take part in a short survey (should take 2-4 minutes to complete) to help us understand the potential participation in this year's event. Please see Secondary Teams Championships page or click or scan the QR code to complete the survey. 
The 71st ESSA Inter-Divisional Championships (due to be held in March 2021)
This event could not take place in 2021. It is hoped that we will be able to hold the event in 2022, possibly with some changes to format to accommodate any residual restrictions. A firm decision, together with an announcement of any revisions to the competition conditions, will be made by the end of the year.
The 2021 Diving Championships (due to be held in December 2021)
It looks likely that the championships could be held in December 2021, possibly with some changes to format to accommodate any residual restrictions. A firm decision, together with an announcement of any revisions to the competition conditions, will be made later this year.
The ESSA U13 Water Polo Championships and Cadet Water Polo Competition (due to be held from May 2021)
The ability to hold these competitions is under review. We hope to be able to announce further information shortly.
The 2nd Summer Open (Individual) Championships
It has been decided not to hold this event in 2021.
ISF Gymnasiade School Summer Games 2020 (due to be held in October 2021)
This event is under continued review. Further details will be announced here when known.
ESSA events due to be held in 2022.
We are planning on the assumption that we will be able to hold normal competitions in 2022, starting with the Water Polo competitions and Primary Teams Championships.
Stewart Nicklin
ESSA Hon. Championship Secretary.
