We, the supporters and members of the swimming community, wholeheartedly endorse the inclusion of RWB Aquatic Academy as ordinary members of the Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT).

Since our application in October 2021, RWB has met all membership requirements as per the ASATT constitution. Our club has made valuable contributions to swimming in the country, producing national athletes, setting records, organizing events, and actively volunteering. However, a concerning violation of the World Aquatics By Laws (Article 9) has been observed, where clubs without swimmers are allowed to vote.

In fact, clubs without active competitive swimmers are allowed to nominate persons to be selected as national coaches and vote ASATT personnel to office.  Of deep concern is that some of the representatives of these "ghost clubs" have also made their way on to the World Aquatics Technical Officials list.

World Aquatics By Laws (Article 9) 

9.2 Members of the World Aquatics Members, in particular clubs, shall only be able to exercise their voting rights at the general meetings of the World Aquatics member to which they are affiliated if they comply with the following conditions:

• they shall have a minimum of 10 affiliated athletes;
• they shall participate in national championships and other national Aquatics competitions recognised and/or organised by the World Aquatics member to which they are affiliated;
• they shall pay their annual membership fee set by the World
  Aquatics member to which they are affiliated and comply with all other financial obligations; and
• they shall fully comply with the rules enshrined in World Aquatics Constitution, notably complying with and implementing decisions taken by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, by World Aquatics (notably taken by the Congress, the Bureau, the Executive or/and judicial panels) and the World Aquatics member to which they are affiliated, as well as supporting World Aquatics and the World Aquatics member to which they are affiliated in their efforts to achieve their objectives.

It is disheartening to witness clubs without active swimmers being granted voting privileges, which dilutes the voice of clubs like ours. We have met all the requirements set forth in ASATT's constitution and World Aquatics Constitution.

This petition aims to address this injustice and advocate for fair representation within ASATT. RWB Aquatic Academy has a commendable track record in swimming. We are immensely dedicated to nurturing talent and promoting the sport. Our RWB National Athletes have represented Trinidad and Tobago valiantly. Additionally, we have successfully organized numerous swim events, showcasing our swimmers and benefiting the wider swimming community. 

The World Aquatics By Laws emphasize the importance of democratic representation and active athlete participation in aquatics organizations. We urge ASATT to rectify this violation and ensure fair representation for clubs that contribute significantly, such as RWB Aquatic Academy. 

By signing this petition, we stand united in advocating for fairness, transparency, and the inclusion of RWB Aquatic Academy as valued members of ASATT. Let us work together to create an association that upholds its own rules, recognizes the contributions of its members, and fosters the growth and success of swimming in Trinidad and Tobago.

Thank you for your support.