After the threat of a suspension of his membership in World Aquatics, Swimming Australia and the World Swimming Organization reached an agreement yesterday on a way out.
Last year it was reported that Swimming Australia risked expulsion from World Aquatics, accused of multiple violations of the Constitution of World Aquaticsincluding the lack of voting power for athletes on the Board of Directors and the establishment of a Stabilization Committee.
If an agreement had not been reached, Australia would have risked suspension, with possible consequences for the athletes, who could have competed under neutral flags, as in the case of Russia and Belarus.
And Sydney, Swimming Australia e World Aquatics have signed an agreement which provides for changes to the Constitution of Swimming Australia to resolve these issues. Starting from the 2025 General Assembly, the voting structure will be expanded. Current member organisations, including seven state and territory organisations, the Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association and the Australian Swimmers Association, will retain 40% voting rights, with an additional 5% for Australian members from the Bureau of World Aquatics and another 5% for Swimming Australia affiliates, including Masters Swimming Australia, Water Polo Australia, Diving Australia and Artistic Swimming Australia.
50% of the additional voting rights will be split between clubs (30%) and athletes (20%).
Swimming Australia also agreed to add an Australian Sports Commission (ASC)-appointed observer to the Appointments, People and Culture Committee and the Council for a period of up to three years, and to undergo a Council evaluation process open to all Australian sports.
Thanks to this agreement, Swimming Australia maintains its status as a member of World Aquatics and athletes will continue to compete under the Australian flag.
