Whilst we negotiate the return to competition following the Covid-19 pandemic, adjustments have been made to the number of Technical Officials required for Licensed Meets and the level of qualification required for each role.
Jo Stalley
Back to back golds for Jessica-Jane Applegate
Congratulations to Jessica-Jane on her success in securing back to back golds at World Para Swimming European Open Championships in Madeira. Fresh from success in the Women’s S14 200m Freestyle on the opening night, Applegate – who trains under Alex Pinniger at City of Norwich SC – was in even greater control on the way to victory in the S14 100m Backstroke, leading from the first stroke to the wall.
More FINA Appointments for East Region Volunteers
Congratulations to Jacqui Kendall on her appointment as a FINA Open Water swimming Official. This four year appointment means that Jacqui may be invited to officiate at international events promoted by FINA or LEN, as well as taking senior roles at national events.
Return to Competition for swimming – FAQs published
Further to the publication of swimming Return to Competition guidance document and the Swim England webinar to event organisers where they provided further support in relation to planning and delivering swimming meets, a set of Frequently Asked Questions has been developed.
Swim England East Region Open Water Championships
Regional Open Water Championships
Following extensive discussions regarding the ability to safely stage the 2021 East Region Open Water Swimming Championships, it has been reluctantly decided that we are unable to go ahead with the event this year.
In arriving at this decision, the East Open Water Swimming Leadership Group examined all current Government, Local Authority and venue COVID limitations and restrictions, plus the Swim England “Return to Competition” guidance, to explore what options were available that would allow us to proceed in compliance with these conditions.
The Group took into consideration the open-air environment the event is held in, the venue design including the internal and external space, the anticipated numbers of participants and their supporters, and discussed measures that could be employed to maintain adequate separation for all throughout the process of delivering the event. Unfortunately, the conclusion reached was that the potential restrictions meant that it would not be possible to deliver the event in a COVID safe manner under the guidance available to us.
The East Open Water Swimming Leadership Group realises that its decision will be disappointing to athletes, coaches and parents but looks forward to welcoming everyone back to our Regional Championships in July 2022, when hopefully the pandemic will be a distant memory.
Swim England’s clubs encouraged to complete ‘Return to Water’ survey
Swim England is reissuing its ‘Return to Water’ survey in an effort to better support clubs and help navigate them through their return to training following the easing of the third national lockdown.
The survey was sent via email to key club officers on Thursday 15 April, who will then be asked to answer questions relating to pool access, potential challenges they are facing and the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on their club.
Dean Walker takes on Water Polo Manager role
After open recruitment the region has successfully recruited Dean Walker as the new Regional Water Polo Manager. Dean will lead the Regional Water Polo Group in planning and managing an effective structure of competitions within the region, and to ensure effective development of Water Polo within the region in accordance with the Swim England East Region Strategy and Development Plan and compatible with Swim England structures.
We would like to also take this opportunity to thank Simon Lecomber for all he has done for the region whilst being the role holder prior to Dean.
Swimming Competition News!!
Swim England has released the Return to Competition guidance for event promoters ahead of the country moving into Step 3, which is due to take place no earlier than Monday 17 May.
Tom Baster, the chair of the Swim England Swimming Leadership Group, said: “The release of the Swim England Return to Competition guidance takes us an exciting step closer to what we’re all looking forward to – a return of competitive swimming events. In line with the Government’s own gradual easing of restrictions, the return to competition will need to be similarly phased in its return and, with social distancing remaining in place until at least late June, it is unlikely that any galas this season will resemble galas of old. However, this philosophy, at least in the short term, will create much-longed for racing opportunities for swimmers.”
The release of the Return to Competition guidance will be followed up with a webinar on 21 April to provide event promoters with further support and guidance and to answer any specific questions they may have when considering how to plan and stage a meet/gala.
Places can be booked on the webinar by clicking here.
Licensing applications for a single club level four competition will reopen from Monday 26 April.
It is hoped that licensing applications for all levels will reopen on Tuesday 1 June with meets commencing from 21 June, which is the Government’s target date for all restrictions to be lifted.
More information can be found on the Swim England website.
Diving Level X Preparation Session with Judges- 18th April
The region is holding one more Level X preparation session, this time with some of the judges! We will look to them for some insight and tips on how to improve the skills. Divers will have the opportunity to perform the skills for the judges (they don’t have to if they don’t want to!).
Another great opportunity to practice and ask any questions. Please note- booking closes 5pm friday 16th April.
More information can be found on the Diving Development webpage.
Seeking a new Water Polo Manager
Water Polo Manager Needed
Following the resignation of our Water Polo Manager, Swim England East Region is currently looking for a new manager. If you think you may be able to help with this voluntary role, please read the role description, and if you are still interested, contact the Regional Chairman at [email protected]
Please note that, as with all regional roles, the Manager must be a member of Swim England, and a Swim England East Region club. The applications must reach the Chairman by noon on Monday 19th April 2021.
Swim England Club Guidance update sessions
In preparation for the re-opening of pools Swim England will be delivering a number of Club guidance update sessions. The sessions are open to all club officers and Covid-19 Leads. Please use the survey monkey link https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ClubGuidanceUpdates . to book into one of these sessions.
If you do have any queries please do not hesitate to contact [email protected]g or check out the Swim England website FAQ’s https://www.swimming.org/swimengland/coronavirus-faqs-answered/
Water Polo Referees change in qualification structure
The Swim England Water Polo Leadership Group has agreed a new qualification structure for water polo referees.
The new qualifications are based on each referee’s level of competence at club, regional, national and international competitions.
