Why does it matter that pools are open again for results to be competitive?

Lockdown 1; 6 weeks after indoor swimming pools were given the go-ahead to re-open, British Triathlon will deem events "competitive" again. Lockdown 2; 4.5 weeks after indoor swimming pools were given the go-ahead to re-open, British Triathlon will deem events "competitive" again (lockdown 2 was shorter than lockdown 1). This is so athletes have a return to racing period. Many athletes have not had access to training water, have been working extra hours or, have had significant changes to their usual routines and lives. Therefore there will be a 4.5-6 week period where racing is not competitive and results will not be viable to be used to qualify for Age Group Championships so all athletes can get used to competing again and return to fitness.

When did pools re-open after lockdown 1?

• Indoor swimming pools in England re-opened on the 25th July 2020, therefore the first date which races are deemed to be competitive is the 5th September 2020.
• Indoor swimming pools in Wales are due to reopen on the 10th August 2020, therefore the first date which races are deemed to be competitive is the 21st September 2020.
• Indoor swimming pools in Scotland re-opened on the 1st September 2020, therefore the first date which races are deemed to be competitive is the 13th October 2020.

When did pools re-open after lockdown 2?

• Indoor swimming pools in England re-opened on the 12th April 2021, therefore the first date which races are deemed to be competitive is the 11th May 2021.
• Indoor swimming pools in Wales are due to reopen on the 3rd May 2021, therefore the first date which races are deemed to be competitive is the 31st May 2021. 
• Indoor swimming pools in Scotland re-opened on the 26th April 2021, therefore the first date which races are deemed to be competitive is the 24th May 2021.