Corona Virus
During the Health Secretary's statement to Parliament (16th March 2020), the government advised people against all unnecessary social contact with others and all unnecessary travel. They cited a number of public spaces that should be avoided and stated that the advice, whist directed at everyone, was especially important for the over 70s, for pregnant women and for those with some health conditions.
In response, Swim England has cancelled a number of forthcoming events, up until the end of May. Jane Nickerson, Swim England chief executive, said: “Cancelling events is not a decision to take lightly but following the latest announcement by the Government, it’s only right and fair to our members and clubs that we made an announcement sooner rather than later.”
On the 18th March 2020 the Prime Minister announced that schools are to be closed from the end of school on Friday 20th March for the majority of pupils, until further notice. Swim England have also revised their advice and are now advising the club swimming activities should be suspended. The following statements address the impact on ESSA competition activities:
The 26th ESSA Primary Schools' Team Championships
The ESSA has already announced (16th March 2020) the cancellation of the qualifying rounds for its Primary Teams Championships, and with the additional recent Government and Swim England announcements, and uncertainty on when restrictions may be lifted, it is clear that organising and conducting the championship finals in June will be impractical, and that there is no opportunity to re-arrange this event for later in the year. It is therefore with regret that the ESSA announce the cancellation of the ESSA Primary Teams Championships for 2019-20.
The ESSA U13 Water Polo Championships and Cadet Water Polo Competition
The School closures and Swim England advice also impacts on the ESSA Water Polo competitions. The under 13 championship finals are postponed until further notice. The regional under 11 and under 13 Cadet competitions are postponed until May half-term. Further details will be announced when it becomes clearer when schools will re-open.
The 2nd Summer Open (Individual) Championships
Due to the current uncertainty on when normality will resume for schools, the impacts on club swimmer training and the considerable effort to organise such a gala including arranging sufficient volunteers and officials, it has been decided not to hold this event in 2020.
ISF Gymnasiade School Summer Games 2020
The squad has been selected in accordance with the selection policy. We are awaiting confirmation that the event will go ahead before inviting the selected swimmers. The timeframe for this is uncertain at the moment, but further announcements will be made here when known.
The 63rd ESSA Secondary Schools' Team Championships & 2020 Diving Championships
We are continuing to plan for these events as normal in the hope that normality may resume after summer. Further details will be announced here nearer the time.
Stewart Nicklin
ESSA Hon. Championship Secretary.
