CAPE TOWN, South Africa — A judge has ruled against Swimming South Africa (Swimming SA) in its lawsuit seeking to dissolve South Africa Water Polo (SA Water Polo), a relatively new organization formed to enhance the governance of water polo in the country.
The dismissal came after Judge Judith Cloete stated that Swimming SA did not meet the legal requirements needed for a final interdictory relief. Established in March, SA Water Polo aims to revitalize the sport, asserting its existence without intending to replace Swimming SA.
During the proceedings, Judge Cloete clarified that South African law permits multiple national bodies, though only one national federation can exist. Swimming SA later acknowledged that SA Water Polo had been operating as a parallel organization, rather than claiming to be the sport’s official administrator.
SA Water Polo contended that approval for its membership lies exclusively with World Aquatics, the international governing body for aquatic sports. However, it remains pending whether World Aquatics will recognize SA Water Polo as a member organization.
Cloete remarked that there was no evidence indicating that SA Water Polo sought to undermine the authority of Swimming SA. “SA Water Polo is not purporting to hold itself out as a national federation,” she noted, emphasizing that this right was the sole aspect deserving protection.
Furthermore, Cloete pointed out SA Water Polo’s attempts to collaborate with Swimming SA, which were ultimately unsuccessful. She recommended that Swimming SA take alternative measures by informing the broader water polo community that it remains the overseeing body for all national and international competitions as the recognized federation.
In a related context, a faction within SA Water Polo emerged in November with desires to detach from Swimming SA, citing allegations of inadequate support for the sport. This dissension intensified after neither the men’s nor women’s water polo teams were allowed to participate in the upcoming Paris Olympics, despite meeting the qualification criteria set by World Aquatics.
The two teams ranked highest among African competitors but fell short of Swimming SA’s internal requirement of finishing in the top 12 at the World Championships, where the men’s team placed 15th and the women’s team finished in 14th.
The faction voiced further grievances against Swimming SA, including claims of financial neglect and insufficient representation in decision-making processes. However, their movement faced resistance from within the water polo community, where players worried about losing potential career opportunities.
This ruling and the ongoing disputes within South African water polo highlight the challenges of governance in sports, especially when emerging bodies seek greater recognition and support.
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