Suspension of athletics competition extended to 30 June 2020.
England Athletics U20/U23 Track & Field Championships postponed.
Following previous statements on 17 March and 24 March, England Athletics, in collaboration with the other Home Country Athletics Federations and UKA, can confirm that the suspension period relating specifically to athletics competition has been extended until at least the 30 June 2020.
We have collectively taken the decision to extend the suspension of licensed competition activity due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and in recognition that event organisers, clubs, athletes, officials and coaches at all levels of the sport need clarity, advanced notice and time to plan.
In addition to this announcement, England Athletics can also confirm the postponement of its own U20/U23 Track & Field Championships – originally scheduled to take place on 6-7 June 2020 in Bedford.
We are mindful that licensed competition providers may need to make decisions relating to facility hire if they are contractually bound. We also need to be realistic in considering the likely availability of officials between now and June and first and foremost to ensure their safety. In addition, we are aware that securing the required level of first aid medical support for events has become increasingly challenging with providers such as the St. John’s Ambulance ceasing to support major events until at least the end of June.
We recognise that some licensed competition providers have already taken the decision to postpone their competitions during this period and our latest domestic competition planning with UKA and the other Home Countries now makes provision for a 1st July start at the earliest. However, this may move back further depending on government guidance and advice on issues including insurance, health & safety and medical service provision.
Whilst all licensed competition events in our sport scheduled up to 30 June 2020 are suspended, we will continue to review the wider suspension of all other athletics activity outside of competition (currently set to 31 May 2020). We will wait for a further announcement from the UK government in relation to the nationwide coronavirus lockdown period, expected during week commencing 4 May, before further reviewing and updating on the current suspension period covering all other athletics activity.
