Corona Virus - Updated 17th May 2021
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. We are planning on holding this event in June 2022, with qualification rounds held by ESSA Divisions/Counties in the early part of 2022.
The 63rd ESSA Secondary Schools' Team Championships (due to be held in November 2021)
The London Aquatic Centre has been booked for 27th November 2021 (Revised date) to hold the National finals. We are planning for the qualification rounds to be held in September/early October, possibly with some changes to format to accommodate any residual restrictions. Please check your Division's page for updates.
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 Water Polo Championships and Cadet Water Polo Competition
No further ESSA waterpolo events will be held in the 2020-21 academic year. The relaunch of ESSA water polo competitions is planned for September 2021 onwards. The Duke of Cambridge Cup is being planned for June 2022. Details will appear on the Water Polo page in due course.
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)
It has been dicided not to participate in any international events in 2021. Opportunities for International competition in 2022 is under consideration.
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.
