The BSSA president, Kgaotsang Mathews, highlighted that this step now allows the constitution to undergo scrutiny by the Registrar of Societies for final approval, marking its activation.
"The new constitution seeks to align with the BNSC model constitution as well as the requirements of World Aquatics and brings with it many changes to the operations," Mathews explained.
Mathews explained that amongst the notable changes is the inclusion of associate membership, wherein coaches and technical officials can become associate members.
However, this status does not grant them voting rights or the ability to nominate members for elections, as these privileges remain reserved for clubs. Another significant change involves the transfer of swimmers.
The new constitution introduces a 30-day cooling-off period when athletes transfer between clubs, during which time the athlete may not compete for their new club.
The BSSA is also introducing an athletes’ commission to represent the views of the swimmers, with one member of the commission also sitting on the BSSA executive. Additionally, the updated document introduces a Disciplinary Committee and an Appeals Board. Mathews emphasised the necessity of these bodies for the proper management of the association.
"The new BSSA constitution introduces an electoral committee, allowing independent people to manage the process of elections of officer bearers," she said. Further additions include standing committees like the Coaches and Officials Committee, Technical and Development Committee, Sports Science and Medical Committee, Sponsorships, Marketing and Communications Committee, and Women’s Committee.
Meanwhile, preparations for the 18th Botswana National Swimming Championships at the University of Botswana are progressing well. BSSA spokesperson, Gwendolyn Harry mentioned that elite swimmers Andile Bekker, Naya Hughes, and Ruvarashe Gondo, along with local talent, will compete. Harry said Zimbabwe has confirmed participation and in addition to the national championships, a team of four swimmers, including Andrian Robinson and Maxine Egner, will compete at the African Games in Accra, Ghana. Bekker and Harry will participate in the national championships, while Robinson and Egner are presently competing at the ongoing World Aquatics Championships in Doha.
"The event has been commissioned as a Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifier, giving every swimmer the opportunity to try their best to make times. We have referees from eSwatini who arrive on Wednesday who will also be overseeing that we adhere to World Aquatics standards," Harry noted. The defending champion, DMSS Swimming Club, faces stiff competition from Propellers and Stingrays, amongst others.
