Swim England Welcome News After Water Polo Gets Green Light To Return To Action

Lima, Sunday August 04, 2019 - Canada ’s players compete during the Women’s Water Polo Group Phase match against Cuba at Villa Maria del Triunfo at Pan American Games Lima 2019. Copyright Cristiane Mattos / Lima 2019 Mandatory credits: Lima 2019 ** NO SALES ** NO ARCHIVES **

Photo Courtesy: Cristiane Mattos

Swim England CEO Jane Nickerson has welcomed news that water polo clubs have been given the green light to return to training and competition.

The governing body had submitted evidence to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport at the beginning of the month and it has now been confirmed that water polo is on the approved list of sports allowed to restart competitive action following the easing of coronavirus lockdown measures.

Research, expert advice from within the game and existing Swim England guidance around activity in a chlorinated environment has led to the conclusion that water polo presents a medium level risk as a sport.

As a result specific guidance has been published for water polo clubs that 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.

Nickerson welcomed water polo’s return by tweeting:

“Brilliant news for water polo. Well done to all my @Swim_England team. (Staff and volunteers) involved in making this happen.”

Brilliant news for water polo. Well done to all my @Swim_England team. (Staff and volunteers) involved in making this happen. https://t.co/NwrgB5nRvW

— Jane Nickerson (@JMNSwimmer) September 15, 2020

George Wood, Swim England’s Sport Development Director, also 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.

“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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