With just a few days remaining before the traditional March 31 regatta, doubts remain whether this popular sporting event will be held as in previous years.

Up to last Monday, the three clubs of Senglea, Marsa and Vittoriosa were still up in arms against the Kumitat Festi Nazzjonali following the disciplinary actions taken over the incidents that marred the September regatta. There were rumours that the three districts could also join forces and compete as one team come Wednesday.

Last Monday, I was asked to form part of a panel that looked into the present situation of our national regatta.

I have to admit that I was taken aback by the extent of the difficulties... suffice to say that three clubs were even planning to hold their own event on Sunday. Such a split cannot simply be attributed to the mayhem that ensued after the final race in September.

For as long as I can remember, rows between districts have been a common feature of regattas when boats collide during the race.

Even though our Grand Harbour may be blessed with strong fortifications that have made it a safe haven for vessels seeking shelter from rough seas, the fact remains that the water is still subject to treacherous currents that hinder navigation of small boats.

As Malta has no lakes or rivers which can host such an event, our only other alternative is the Grand Harbour. The recent developments at the new Vittoriosa marina means that the Dockyard Creek which used to host the March event is now unavailable and the regatta has to be shifted to the Grand Harbour.

Districts have spent the best part of the last six months squabbling over who was to blame for the despicable incidents that tainted last September's regatta. The guilty parties were identified and disciplinary action was taken.

Marsa and Marsamxett received the heftiest punishments by the Kumitat Festi Nazzjonali. Marsa had four of their rowers suspended for two regattas and the Valletta club was fined Lm500.

A subsequent appeal followed. Marsamxett's fine was reduced to Lm400 and the suspension of the Marsa rowers was reduced to one regatta.

The possibility of a semi-boycott loomed and ministerial intervention was sought. Eventually, the Disciplinary Committee decided that the Marsa rowers should be conditionally suspended for one regatta and this makes them eligible to compete in next Wednesday's event even though a spokesman for the club confirmed that the lads had not been training lately.

The disciplinary mechanism that governs regatta baffles me. The Ghaqda Regatta Nazzjonali represents the interests of this traditional sport in Malta and the organisation is also affiliated to the Malta Olympic Committee.

However, the regatta falls under the umbrella of the Kumitat Festi Nazzjonali and it was this forum that nominated a Disciplinary Committee to decide the fate of the guilty clubs in September.

I may be imprecise but the Regatta Association must be the only sporting entity on the island that is governed by two different bodies. The Disciplinary Committee should be embedded within the Ghaqda Regatta Nazzjonali.

Even though districts contend that it is very difficult to appoint persons who are free of conflict of interest, the fact remains that all associations in Malta administer their own disciplinary committee.

Practically all sports administrators in Malta have most probably supported, played for or even served on the committee of a club. Such persons are the backbone of any national association and even if some of them may have had a strong link with a club, they are mature and professional enough to be impartial when deciding on sensitive cases.

The Kumitat Festi Nazzjonali has an important role to play in the organisation of the two regattas held in March and September but its role in this sporting event stops there.

The Ghaqda Regatta Nazzjonali has to pull up its socks and take over all the administrative and disciplinary components of this traditional sport.

Districts simply cannot continue to look at each other with suspicion and question every move made by their opponents.

Keen sporting rivalry is fine so long as it does not degenerate into open hostility that threatens to make a mockery of the spirit of fair play.

Yesterday, I had a quiet word with a member of the Kumitat Festi Nazzjonali who confirmed that all the six districts should compete next Wednesday.

Early start

Unfortunately, enthusiasts will have to venture to the Grand Harbour in late morning for the start of the regatta as the event has to be over by mid-afternoon to clear the way for a cruise liner which is scheduled to enter the harbour.

The dark clouds of uncertainty are clearing up and the show will go on. Districts have rowing in their blood and a semi-boycott could have triggered a further demise to this traditional sport which has a selling factor to the tourism industry.

The Ministry of Education, which is now also responsible for sports, should commission a scientific study on the regatta to identify the changes that need to be introduced to give this traditional event a more dynamic approach.