Swim England confirms Level X Water Polo launch in return to competitive action plan

Swim England has confirmed the launch date for Level X Water Polo as it plans a route back to competitive events.

Under 18s registered as category two members at water polo clubs across the country will be able to take part in Level X when indoor pools reopen from Monday 12 April.

The full details for the competition will be published before the launch date but will see water polo players completing a series of skills as part of a team and aiming to achieve best total score.

Weekly scoreboards will be made available by Swim England giving clubs and their members the opportunity to try and better their scores – or join the competition at a later date if a pool doesn’t reopen immediately.

Over 18s will be able to take part in Level X when indoor organised sport is given the all clear to resume – which will be no earlier than Monday 17 May if the Government’s tests for easing the lockdown restrictions are met.

Further return to competition guidance will then be issued by Swim England with the ultimate goal of events returning from September.

Work towards competitive matches

Toby King, the chair of the Swim England Water Polo Leadership Group, said: “We know our clubs and members are eager to return to playing this wonderful sport we love so much.

“Level X Water Polo will give members the chance to work on core skills in the water each week while building up their fitness as we gradually work our way towards competitive matches being held once again.

“The Return to Competition Guidance will detail how to run a Covid-secure event and include operational considerations and template risk assessments.

“Clubs will then have time to plan and prepare, while members will still have the thrill of being involved in a different type of water polo competition – but one I’m sure they will all thoroughly enjoy taking part in.”

Full details on how to enter Level X Water Polo and the format of the competition will be released at the beginning of April.

It will run until the end of August with the aim of the new season and a return to matches and events beginning from September.