Regatta Malta is proposing a new statute to put the sport on a stronger foundation, following the controversies that marred the recently held Victory Day and the Freedom Day regattas.
In the past few days, the clubs of Senglea and Vittoriosa were engaged in a war of words on social media over the doping saga that affected the final result of the 2024 Victory Day Regatta.
Last September, Vittoriosa were declared the winners of the Open category and ended a 40-year wait to lift the trophy after finishing just two points ahead of rivals Senglea.
However, one of the rowers engaged by Vittoriosa in the Kajjiki race during that regatta has tested positive for a banned substance and was handed a three-year suspension by the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sports (AIMS).
In its final ruling on the doping case, AIMS said that: “The Għaqda Regatta Nazzjonali u Qdief Ieħor shall disqualify the result obtained by the athlete in the race(s) he participated during the Regatta September 2024 edition in respect to Article 11.2.1 of the FISA 2021 Andi-Doping Bye-Laws.”
The FISA article states: “An anti-doping rule violation committed by a member of a crew in connection with an in competition test automatically leads to disqualification of the result obtained by the crew in that competition, with all resulting consequences for the crew and its members, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.”
Following this ruling, the Vittoriosa Rowing Club tried to impose a Warrant of Prohibitory Injunction against AIMS but was rejected by the court.
In light of these rulings, Senglea issued a statement, where they declared that, following the disqualification of the Vittoriosa boat and the deduction of points, they were the winners of the 2024 Victory Day regatta.
A few hours later, however, Vittoriosa dismissed Senglea’s claims.
They said that following a meeting held by Regatta Malta’s Council, which is formed by two members from every rowing club, the 2024 Victory Day Regatta results will remain the same until all legal procedures opened by the same club against AIMS are concluded.
It is important to point out that, according to the current race regulations of Regatta Malta, “no decision taken after the winners of the shield are announced can affect the final standings, or any particular race, or victory ceremonies, or decisions taken during the race.”
And that is why the Vittoriosa Rowing Club is firmly contending that they remain the winners of the 2024 Victory Day Regatta.
In the meantime, Senglea Rowing Club are quoting the Regatta Malta statute which says that Malta’s National Anti-Doping Organisation can change a race result in case of a positive doping case.
It is clear to point out that, according to the current statute, all decisions are taken by the Regatta Malta Council, which is formed by two delegates from each rowing club and the caretaker management has no influence on decisions.
However, the caretaker management has called an Extraordinary General Meeting on June 30, where they are proposing a change in the statute, with the main proposal being that an Executive Committee is elected by the clubs and all decision-making will be taken by them.
According to the new statute, the Council will still have an important part to play as they “can make proposals to the Executive Board for regulatory or statutory changes, for example, proposing changes to the statute, rules of competition, disciplinary codes or financial policies of Regatta Malta.”
Disciplinary rules
The main task of the Executive Committee will be to ensure the day-to-day running, management, and strategic direction of Regatta Malta as well as implementing decisions made by the General Assembly.
Added to that, they will manage financial and administrative affairs and enforce disciplinary regulations, and oversee dispute resolution.
Apart from the new statute, the Regatta Malta caretaker management will also propose the introduction of a new structure that will provide a distinct and formal identity to traditional regatta.
A statement issued by Regatta Malta on Friday said that “this initiative acknowledges the unique characteristics of traditional rowing, setting it apart from international rowing disciplines practised overseas.
The restructuring, supported in full by all regatta and rowing clubs, is being driven by a vision to preserve and promote our heritage, while ensuring that both traditional and olympic/paralympic rowing as practised internationally can grow and thrive independently yet respectfully.
“By creating this necessary separation, we are not dividing – we are making space. This space will allow for targeted investment, growth, and development in both sports, which, although similar in appearance, are deeply distinct in nature.”
Regatta Malta is contending that the new system will strengthen the hand of the governing body, giving it the better tools and autonomy needed to operate more effectively, support local clubs, and raise the profile of traditional rowing at national level.
“Equally, it will provide the necessary space for Olympic and Paralympic rowing to develop in its own right,” it added.
