Last June, Austin Sammut was handed the task of leading the Aquatic Sport Association following the decision of Robert Ebejer to step down. In this interview to Alex Vella, the new president gives his views on the various aspects of running the different disciplines under the aegis of the ASA.

How do you look at this challenging position?

Daunting, but interesting. I have been in the waterpolo and swimming scene all my life. Not as a player (except as a young boy) but as an administrator, having served as a committee member in a leading club for many years.

However, the ASA is at a different, higher level, and, if nothing else, I have a new international dimension, which, as we have recently seen in the European B Championships, is very challenging. Further, we need to beef up our administrative and financial capacities.

What were the highlights of the 2009 season?

The highlights of the season are basically the fact that, at least for a period, there was competition in the first division, outside the normal two-horse race, although it did end up like that. I would have liked to see more competition and more teams.

The second division was also interesting with two different teams winning the league and the knock out.

Malta's continental ranking is now higher than ever.

I believe that Malta's ranking has not been established by coincidence. Whether or not we can maintain this position depends on a number of factors, including the new brood of players and the heavy financial backing that we require.

Do you think that administratively aquatic sport in our country can be improved upon?

There is no doubt that we had steady progress due to the continued work of my predecessors, the improved facilities and, to an extent, the financing/sponsorships available.

However, there is much room for improvement, and, in fact, for the first time the ASA will be having full-time staff in the form of an administrative secretary.

The person has been seconded by government at no expense to the association.

We have also recently appointed a PRO, a post which was felt lacking and which will help to raise our profile.

Does the ASA have any plans to make inroads in diving, open water swimming, synchronized swimming and masters category?

We have traditionally concentrated on water polo and swimming. There are other disciplines in aquatic sport.

I am encouraging developments in other areas particularly, at least for a start, in open water swimming and the waterpolo and swimming masters category.

Do you think that waterpolo competitions could be more evenly balanced?

Yes, I believe that. It is a pity that the number of clubs are few and far between. Some clubs with strong traditions have fallen by the wayside.

I would like to see them revived, while I would also like to see some new clubs, particularly, but not necessarily, from seaside areas.

Was the tinkering with the rules in the past years regarding the engagement of foreign players detrimental to our game?

My view of engaging foreign waterpolo players is a mixed one.

While being an attraction for waterpolo followers and also, in some cases, providing a lot to learn from, I am not convinced of the commitment of all of them, and they may be detrimental to the opportunities available to our young local players.

Despite the progress in our swimming, do you think we are keeping the pace with the improving standards in other countries of our size?

I believe that the pace of our swimmers has improved at a relative rate when compared to other countries. The recent records registered in Rome are evidence of this.

I will be giving swimming more importance than perhaps it was given before. To me it is at par with waterpolo and we have a very dedicated swimming board, who deserve our full support.

Would a shift of our national league to winter be beneficial for our game?

The idea of having our main waterpolo league played in winter, or, at least, the shoulder months, has been mooted. However, this would create a number of problems, including the engagement of foreign players.

On the other hand, it would give our national team the opportunity to have a much better preparation for international championships.

This is something that has to be considered with the utmost attention.

What are your immediate and long term plans?

The future of aquatic sports in Malta is a bright one if we work at it and as long as we keep within the perspective of our limitations of size and resources.

The main problems are, as always, financial and the availability of swimmers and waterpolo players for international competitions, since we are not full-timers.

As I said, I would like to see more waterpolo clubs and the promotion of aquatic sports at school and at age group level, including more nurseries within the clubs.

I would also like to see the revival of activities at clubs themselves. I will also continue to promote the development of open water swimming and swimming and waterpolo, both open and masters, at an international level.