Registration of non-Maltese players (1)

I refer to the report titled 'Neptunes not allowed to make use of new players' (The Times, July 1).

The Aquatic Sports Association (ASA) would have much appreciated had the reporter contacted our offices for a clarification on the matter at hand and not just rely on what seems to be one-sided information.

Since this was not done, the ASA hereby brings forward its views on the issue.

The amended version of the Competition Rules was some time ago sent to club officials, the aim being to give them the opportunity to point out anything they disagreed with.

In this draft version, which was later approved by the council as the official competition rules, rule number 2.5.B(1) clearly states that players of non-Maltese nationality must be registered at least four days prior to the start of the competition.

Notwithstanding this, no club mentioned this discrepancy which is now being questioned by Neptunes WPSC.

Furthermore, upon the request of Neptunes, the ASA called an urgent council meeting which was held on June 26, 2008. The issue was discussed and the majority of the council members, and not just one as claimed in the article in question, confirmed that the council's final decision was as stipulated in the competition rules and not as being contested by Neptunes.

Furthermore, the council felt that, even if such were to be true, it could not at this stage change the rule since amendments to competition regulations are prohibited once the competition has begun.

I trust that the above information has clarified the matter further.