Championships1500m Freestyle Cancellation

We were all disappointed at not being able to complete the 1500M session last Saturday at K2 Crawley due to a health and safety issue. Since then, we have been actively exploring how to complete the 1500m session, not only in terms of facilities but also the availability of officials and the technical team. We have also consulted with clubs with the highest number of entries to ascertain likely attendance if the session was rescheduled.

Having taken account of all these issues, we have had to reluctantly cancel the remaining heats. This decision has not been taken lightly or arbitrarily. Our main concern being the clashes with other events during the National Qualifying window which would lead to insufficient qualified and licensed officials and technical staff for a significantly reduced field. Where competitions are not compliant with the Open Meet Licensing Criteria and the requirement for officials an event maybe downgraded.

One of the age groups was fully completed. It is only fair that not only that age group should receive their medals, but also other age groups should be given the opportunity to obtain the medals and trophies for their age groups championships. The exact provisions as to how this will be determined will be confirmed shortly.

Finally, we will of course return entry fees for all swimmers on the final programme who did not swim on Saturday they will be returned directly to the entering Clubs. In addition, spectator tickets bought to watch those swimmers who were unable to swim, will be refunded on request. Further details will follow.

John Handley - Swimming Manager