Swimming   ‘Giving a fair chance to all swimmers’ |24 July 2023

• The SAF held hostage as election formalities hit stalemate

More than six months after it was officially recognised by the Office of the Registrar General, the Seychelles Aquatic Federation whose objective is to promote the development of aquatic sports in Seychelles for fitness, leisure and competition is still in the dark in regards to official decisions, leading to elections of possible new members of the executive committee

Headed by Muriel Morgan, with the strong backing of management and parents from the country’s major swimming clubs, the Seychelles Aquatic Federation (SAF) was set up to replace the defunct Seychelles Swimming Association (SSA) which was struck off the list of the Registrar for non-compliance.

However, the SAF hit a brick wall when it was informed that some clauses of its constitution do not meet the criteria of, or were not in accordance with the sport’s continental governing body.

Speaking to Sports NATION, Mrs Morgan explained that following a meeting with the National Sports Council (NSC) – which is temporarily running local swimming, through a caretaker committee until a new governing body is put in place – and a representative of the Africa Swimming Confederation (Cana), several terms and conditions were agreed on in order to move forward.

Based on the development of the meeting, Mrs Morgan said, even if they were told that the stalemate was based on issues in relation to their constitution, it was obvious that the international body had no previous knowledge of the document, let alone the newly set up federation.

She however said the existing SAF’s executive committee is ready to step down, making space for fresh elections, as long as certain agreed terms and conditions, based on concerns, and not accusations are met and respected.

A minimum of 10 swimmers per registered team is one of the key conditions, taking into account that it was previously a common practice to register teams, just for the sake of getting support, precisely during elections.

Therefore, doubts regarding the compliancy of some of the clubs are high.

It was also agreed that members of the defunct former governing body are not eligible to be nominated as candidates for the election.

As part of its rules and regulations, prescribed by the board and stipulated in the bye-laws, the members shall provide the SAF with copies of audited accounts, annual report and other associated documents no later than three months following its annual general meeting (AGM), or any reasonable time as may be approved by the board following a written request received from a club, no later than 14 days following the AGM.

Mrs Morgan explained that since the meeting, they have been waiting for feedback from the attorney assigned to mediate the matter, and to date, they still have not heard, or received anything.

Regarding the plan of the SAF to rejuvenate Seychelles’ aquatics, Mrs Morgan said they have plans to introduce other events such as diving and artistic swimming, alongside the traditional swimming, bringing more options to those interested.

Using diving as an example, Mrs Morgan said it has been practiced locally for decades whereby kids, as well as adults have been diving off rocks by the sea side, or rivers, and also off the different piers.

She said, as a nation, Seychellois is full of raw talents and the SAF through its programmes will put in different structures to develop those talents, taking them to another level.

She added that, other than administering swimming and other aquatic disciplines, the SAF is planning to transform the Roche Caïman swimming pool into an aquatic club, with related facilities which will not only benefit athletes, but also the parents.

On the plan is a sports shop which will sell aquatic equipment which at present is a real hassle, since most of them are not available locally, while a large number of parents do not have the facilities, or contacts, let alone the means to order such equipment from abroad.

Locally available equipment could be purchased at affordable prices, while in cases, payment plans can be arranged, through agreements between parents and clubs.

Another lacking feature which will be included is a cafeteria, whereby parents accompanying their children can sit comfortably during swimming sessions, engaging themselves into a more comfortable, friendly and social atmosphere, compared to the actual situation where the only option is to sit in the stands.

Mrs Morgan further added that funding for proposed plans will not be an issue, since many parents with the means to assist have come forward, pledging their support, but under the condition that the present situation changes, and that those who do not have anything to do with swimming keep out.

Meanwhile, the other stalemate is in relation to the authority’s incompetence in applying necessary disciplinary measures against those who are still non-compliant to the existing structures and protocols in place.

In a meeting held last week with team managers for the upcoming 11th Indian Ocean Islands Games (IOIG) Minister for Youth, Sports and Family Marie-Celine Zialor once again made it clear that “discipline is non-negotiable”, while those responsible, or in charge, should take the lead through appropriate actions to remedy any unhealthy situation which, if not dealt with, will affect the whole team, and Seychelles as country at the IOIG, especially since the participation cost is being absorbed by tax-payers.

The sports minister also made it clear that anyone who thinks he/she is  a super star, showing no sign of respect and discipline should not be part of the team, and should be left behind, urging those involved to bring forward evidence, whereby they will receive the full backing of the higher authority.

More than a week after the swimming caretaker committee had a sit-down with one of the selected swimmers for the national selection, who according to her club, under no circumstance, whatsoever, will train under the national team head coach Barnsley Albert, stressing that the swimmer can swim for the national selection at the IOIG, but will remain under his guidance until the last day, no formal disciplinary decision has been taken.

Following the chaotic meeting, the swimmer has been training at club, in the same pool alongside the national selection, in plain sight for everyone with a pair of eyes to see.

Still after the meeting which produced no solution, the athlete was to be sent a formal letter – through her club – officially notifying her that she has been selected for the national selection, while failure to comply will result in further disciplinary actions.

At least, that was the official decision expected by everyone following the situation.

To everyone’s surprise, instead of an official letter, an informal email – with ‘Hi all’ as salutation – was sent around last Monday, with the personal secretary to the NSC’s chief executive as the undersigned.

In a situation like this, anyone, sincerely wishing to remedy such situation would have, at least, set up terms and conditions, regarding being selected for the national selection, and not a ‘note’ informing swimmers that they should start training on the same day.

Such a note provides individuals with options, to come or not, instead of directives.

Is there really a willingness on the part of the authority to set things straight, by taking appropriate actions?

How can you take disciplinary actions with someone, if there are no set guidelines, and rules as well as consequences for non-compliance?

Once again, the big question is who are really in charge of what, and who are responsible to take crucial decisions, without fear of offending others, or in that matter, perhaps enduring some sort of intimidation from several individuals who think they are untouchable, and can take matters into their own hands?

It is through such loopholes within the system that people with negative agenda will always have the upper hand and the last laugh.

Roland Duval