KUCHING: The Amateur Swimming Association of Sarawak (Asas) has been slammed for preventing 120 swimmers from competing in the upcoming state age-group (SAG) championship scheduled to take place next weekend.
According to a press statement released by the Power Aquatic Swimming Club (PASC), Asas has rejected the Limbang Amateur Swimming Association (LASA) entries for the upcoming championship because it said LASA’s entries did not meet with the criteria of its new rule.
Rule No 1 c. (under eligibility) set by Asas states that ‘at least 50% of the swimmers representing their respective divisional affiliates in SAG 2019 must be a residents of that Division.
Residence means the Division (in Sarawak) where the swimmer “lives and sleeps” and where he/she can be found in most days of the year.
This restriction has provoked criticism from some administrators, parents and coaches, who felt that such a rule hinders the development of young swimmers.
Founder of PASC coach Voon Yong Hui said the move by Asas has affected more than 120 athletes which also comprise swimmers from Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) elite squad.
“During the 45th Sarawak Age Group Swimming Championship held in Miri last year, PASC was affiliated to Lasa which emerged as the overall champion.
“So why is it that this year our members are not allowed to compete under the Lasa banner?” Voon asked.
On the issue, PASC will appeal to Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports as well as Sarawak Sports Council to look into the matter and come up with an amicable solution, he said.
On another matter, Voon posed the question whether or not it might not justifiable now for Sarawak to have sports competitions held under the inter-division concept. He pointed out that the concept of inter-division sport competitions was adopted in the early 70s or even earlier. He felt that it is now not appropriate to have athletes categorised under geographical areas because such an arrangement would place the smaller divisions in a disadvantageous position. He suggested that swimming competitions should now be an inter-club affair.
Noting that in West Malaysia swimming competitions are held on inter-club basis, Voon appealed to Sarawak state government to adopt the same approach.
Voon claimed that Sarawak is the only state in the country holding swimming competitions based on geographical areas.
