BWPL’s Committee held a meeting this evening (23 December) to discuss current developments in the pandemic and the possible impact on League events scheduled in the second phase of the season. 

The Committee were made aware of concerns expressed by member clubs – and acknowledged the complexities arising from differing Government rulings affecting Scotland and Wales.

It was agreed that the League would maintain its established stance of following Government advice as well as guidance from its governing body, Swim England. As currently there was no ruling from Government or Swim England directly impacting on BWPL scheduled events, the programme would remain as planned – starting at Haberdashers and Walsall on 8/9 January.
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However, if further information or guidance becomes available in the next few days, the League Committee will meet again and decide what action to take. 

The death has occurred of David Owen, who played for many years in the Birkenhead team that was one of the most powerful in the country in the 1960s. He’s pictured second from left in the back row of this team photo with the English Club Championship Shield.

David, known as ‘Butch’, also coached Birkenhead to National League and English Championship titles. The club were founder members of the National League in 1962, claiming their first win in 1965 – when they pipped Polytechnic to the crown on goal difference (their lender advantage was just 0.016 of a goal!).
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The funeral takes place on Friday at Anfield Crematorium, 4pm. 

​President Trevor Pledger has warned that the British League is close to “breaking point” due to a critical shortage of officials to run events.

“It has been obvious to me during the first half of the season that things are getting more and more stretched,” he declared. “Weekend schedules are being completed in some cases only because a small, dedicated group of people have been prepared to take on extra duties. But they are tired and in some cases reluctant to carry on in the same way.

“The League is struggling for officials in all areas – particularly, event managers and table officials, but also referees and delegates. We will do our very best to get through phase two of the season. But the fact remains that the current model is not sustainable and solutions must be found.

“An easy option would be to reduce the workload by cutting divisions, which obviously no one will be keen to see. But the position is that serious and we will need the involvement of all member clubs as we try to find some answers.”
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The League committee debated the problem at its recent meeting, stressing the importance of maintaining standards in appointing officials whenever possible – but accepting that there would always be difficulties due to availability issues. Among suggestions was a training course for people interested in becoming event managers. Anyone willing to volunteer for any role should please contact League chairman David Andrews, dave.andrews@bwpl.org

A date for your diaries - on Saturday, 9 July, next year, BWPL will be holding a celebration to mark 60 years of league water polo in this country as well as the 35th aniversary of the foundation of the Women's National League.

It will take place at Parliament Hill Fields Lido, Gospel Oak, Hampstead Heath, and include a full programme of matches and a barbecue. It's hoped that all BWPL clubs, as well as former players, will give the event their full support. More details later.

Swim England confirmed today that it intends to host a 10-day tournament in 2022 featuring “teams from across the Commonwealth.”

For the British League, it will mean overcoming a problem – because the planned dates, between 25 November and 4 December, clash with a weekend earmarked for League competition and published some time ago in the League’s fixtures blueprint for 2022/23.

“Clearly, we will be very keen to do all we can to support such an important initiative,” said BWPL chairman David Andrews. “In anticipation of the tournament taking place, we have agreed to move the men’s Division 1 and women’s Division 3 programmes, due on 26/27 November, to accommodate it. I am sure such a change will be welcomed, offering the opportunity for everyone associated with BWPL to attend.”

Coventry’s Ian Elliot, Chair for the proposed new competition, said: “Hosting an event of this nature, particularly with the uncertainties of a global pandemic, is always going to be a challenge. Feasibility studies and initial planning are promising but not concluded.”
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Swim England says: “Approaches have been made to potential partners to put together a viable tournament, to confirm logistics and the event format, including a water polo legacy programme.”