Disheartening, confusing decisions

I am a parent of a boy who plays with the San Ġiljan Under 14 waterpolo team. While I was very happy to see San Ġiljan challenging for the league in the water I was bitterly disappointed to see my boy and many of his team-mates cry when points they had deservedly won were deducted by a decision taken by the Aquatic Sports Association.

The ASA appointed a board which decided to uphold the protest lodged by both Sliema and Neptunes who, for this special occasion, decided to put away their rivalry and join forces. Our surprise was due to the fact that only two weeks before a protest on the same issue was not upheld by another independent board made up of different members appointed by the same association.

We witnessed an incredible situation: What was considered ad­mis­sible within a fortnight became an infringement.

My son, along with other San Ġiljan boys, worked hard and against all odds as the club still has no permit to build an enclosed pool. Nonetheless, training took place throughout the whole year and our boys were trained by committed and qualified coaches. The value of this work was reflected in the team’s results.

Really and truly, Neptunes lost even the legal battle as their first protest was not upheld but some always seem to get a second chance.