Olympic referee Frank Ohme has always acknowledged the invaluable experience he gained during his seasons as a BWPL referee (he still proudly wears the League shirt – as you will see in this photo from Tokyo).
 
Reffing at venues ranging from Walsall to Ponds Forge was, he says, “excellent preparation” for the big stage – which in Tokyo meant tackling huge intensity matches, including the women’s bronze medal clash between Hungary and Russia and the Hungary/Croatia men’s quarter-final.
 
Frank, who was based in Wales before he returned to his home country, Germany, has penned a fascinating report for BWPL in which he focuses on some of the key issues that arose at the Olympics – including FINA’s drive to make the sport more attractive and less physical.
 
Our thanks to Frank. And congratulations to him from all at BWPL for his Olympics success. It’s great to know that we can now claim a top world official as one of our own!
 
To read Frank’s full report, go to the Features page.
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If you’re from one of the teams due to play at Haberdashers’ School during the first phase of the season, please allow a little extra time for your journey - because:
 
Parking in front of the pool building is no longer practical due to building works.
 
Dagger Lane, which leads from the A41 to the school gates is closed. Travelling southbound along the A41, continue for another 150 metres to the large roundabout and take first exit (A411 Elstree Road), which runs by the reservoir; continue until taking the first exit on the left (Aldenham Road), leading to the junction of Dagger Lane close to the coach park entrance.

The open-air MANUP! Festival once again proved an outstanding success – even though 16 senior men’s and women’s teams had to endure horrible weather during matches at Salford Quays! Winners there were Sedgefield and City of Sheffield.
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Oxford won the competition at Liverpool’s Albert Dock, with Bridgefield as runners-up. Northampton triumphed in the event for mixed junior teams at Nantwich Lido.