As one of three home countries, Swim England adopted a new version of the Judge 1 course in January 2020 which had two distinctive elements – an online theory elements followed by practical sessions.

Once the online theory elements had been completed, candidates had 11 months from the date of the theory certificate to finish the practical training.

To ensure these who had already the ‘old’ Judge 1 training were not disadvantaged, it was agreed candidates had until 31 July 2020 to complete all elements of the course.

However, the coronavirus lockdown is preventing people on the old and new course format from completing the qualifications.

The impact has been reviewed by the British Swimming Officials Group and the following guidance has been agreed by all home countries:

• Old style Judge 1 course – each individual will receive an extension equal to the number of months the sport is not operational plus an additional three months. The first aspect will be calculated from Friday 20th March, the date when pools shut down.
• New style Judge 1 course – each individual will have 11 months from the date of their theory certificate with an additional extension equal to the length of the lockdown plus three months. The first aspect will be calculated from Friday 20th March, the date when pools were shut down.