In a recent communication directed to organizers of CrossFit Licensed events, CrossFit has announced a prohibition on swim events indefinitely. The email specified, “Effective immediately, no open water or pool swimming events are allowed until further notice.” This decisive action follows the tragic drowning incident involving Lazar Djukic during the Lake Day competition at the 2024 CrossFit Games.
Details from CrossFit’s Notification
The email from CrossFit emphasized the importance of safety, stating that this change is a crucial step in enhancing water safety guidelines and protecting all participants involved in events. Organizers were reminded of their essential role in this collective effort.
Immediate Safety Measures Implemented
Following the incident in Ft. Worth, organizers of the Northern California Classic, which is also a CrossFit Licensed event, communicated to athletes about new safety protocols to ensure participant safety. These precautions included:
- Mandatory open water safety buoys for all athletes
- One spotter or paddler per athlete in the water to assist as needed
- Life jackets permitted for those who choose to wear them
- Opting out of the swim event will not disqualify participants from competing in other areas of the competition
Impact on Northern California Classic
Despite the newly implemented safety measures, the Northern California Classic will no longer proceed with its swim event. It remains uncertain whether the event organizers will choose to withdraw their competition’s license from CrossFit if they wish to proceed with their original plans.
As an update, the NorCal Classic is officially no longer a CrossFit Licensed event as of 4:00 PM Eastern on the latest communication, attributed to “CrossFit’s inability to meet marketing obligations.” This change allows them to continue planning for their swimming events independently.
Understanding CrossFit Licensed Events
A CrossFit Licensed Event is an official designation that permits certain competitions outside of the traditional CrossFit Games season. To apply for such licensing, organizers must possess a CrossFit Level 1 certificate and either own an affiliate or be sponsored by one. There is a licensing fee of $1,000, alongside requirements for insurance proofs, participant waivers, and completion of the online CrossFit Judges Course by all judges involved.
Licensed competitions retain visibility on the ‘Competitions’ page of the CrossFit Games website, with a considerable number of events scheduled throughout the year. Presently, there are 20 licensed competitions planned for August, with events such as the Adaptive CrossFit Games, Masters CrossFit Games, and Teenage CrossFit Games also listed, which will all be conducted without water events.
