Swim England announces water polo can return to training and competition - September 15, 2020

We have received a press release today from Swim England containing very welcome news. The press release reads as follows:

WATER POLO GETS GREEN LIGHT TO RETURN TO ACTION

Water polo clubs and players have been given the green light to return to training and competitive action after the Government approved Swim England guidance.

The recognised national governing body submitted evidence to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport at the beginning of the month.

Westminster has confirmed that water polo is on the approved list of sports allowed to restart competitive action following the easing of the coronavirus lockdown.

Swim England has published its specific guidance for water polo clubs, “Water polo return to team sport” available here > https://www.swimming.org/library/documents/4943/download

The return to sport document includes guidelines on social distancing during breaks and post-game, use of equipment, advice for match officials and coaches, injury treatment plus information for spectators.

It is important that the guidelines are used in conjunction with Swim England’s Returning to the Pool guidance which covers details on travel to training and matches plus advice for medics.

George Wood, Swim England’s Sport Development Director, welcomed the announcement by the Government.

He said: “This is fantastic news and we’re thrilled water polo can now be played once again. I would like to thank Toby King and our Water Polo Leadership Group and our Head of Performance Operations, Rachel Bayley, for pushing forward this important piece of work. It will come as a welcome relief to our affiliated water polo clubs and players who have been desperate to enjoy the sport they love since pools were allowed to reopen. We have created guidance which ensures training and matches can be safely played while respecting the current guidelines set out by the Government. This is now available to download on the Swim England website and has also been sent out to water polo clubs.”

“The guidance should be adopted by clubs and leagues as appropriate and should be adhered to at all times to ensure the safety of athletes and officials and compliance with the standards agreed with Government.”

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