-By ArdorComm News Network
October 22, 2024
Swimming Australia (SA) has reached an agreement with World Aquatics to resolve governance issues that could have led to its suspension by the global governing body. The agreement, announced on Monday, introduces significant reforms aimed at enhancing athlete and club representation in decision-making processes.
Key Outcomes of the Agreement:
- Enhanced Voting Rights for Athletes and Clubs: The new agreement involves an updated SA constitution, which will allocate 50% of voting rights at future annual general meetings to athletes and clubs. This move ensures greater involvement of those directly engaged in the sport, fostering a more inclusive governance model.
- Positive Reception from SA: Hayden Collins, co-chair of the SA Board, expressed gratitude for the support from member organizations and emphasized the significance of the resolution. “We are delighted to have been able to reach this outcome today and thank the member organisations for their support in bringing this to a resolution,” Collins stated. The finalization of the revised constitution is expected by Christmas, marking a new chapter for Swimming Australia.
- Global Recognition from World Aquatics: Brent Nowicki of World Aquatics praised the outcome, highlighting the importance of giving the swimming community more control. “We are pleased that 50% of the voting rights now sit with the community the sport is there to serve, the athletes and clubs,” Nowicki said. He added that this governance model is likely to set a global standard for best practices across other sports organizations.
This agreement between Swimming Australia and World Aquatics represents a significant step toward more inclusive governance, ensuring that athletes and clubs have a stronger voice in shaping the future of the sport. With these reforms, Swimming Australia moves forward with a governance structure that prioritizes those it serves, establishing a model that may influence similar reforms worldwide.