Gov't
Blamed For Fine On Swimming
By Julu M. Johnson, Jr.
The Liberian Government has been held liable for the
recent fine imposed on the country recently.
Liberia was fined US$300 by the swimming world
governing body FINA for failing to participate in the 7th Swimming
World Championship in Indianapolis, United States in October of 2005.
In an interview, the Chairman of the Planning Committee
of the Liberia National Swimming Federation (LNSF), Madam G. Sharon
Brown said, "We think government should organize herself more than
that."
Madam Brown wants Government to begin prioritizing
other sports. "Anything that tries to portray a better image for the
country should be looked at."
She stated, "This is a challenge for Government to
prove whether she will allow the country to be suspended for
US$300.00." The Swimming official noted that it would be
worth befitting if government decides to pay both fines placed on
swimming and football.
It has been gathered that for failing to participate in
the games, Liberia violated a FINA regulation, GR 8.2, which has to do
with withdrawal or disqualification. The regulation calls for an
athlete to be withdrawn prior to the team leader or technical
committee meeting. Yet, after the team leader or technical committee
meeting has been held and the athletes been drawn into categories as
per the events, any withdrawal would be punishable by fine to be
determined by FINA based on the nature of the competition and the
circumstances leading to the withdrawal.
The Swimming World Championship is regarded as the
senior of all FINAL events. Therefore, for a team to be withdrawn
warrants severe fine. Worst of all was when Liberia had to play a
major the role during the opening ceremony given that it was to be the
country's first time.
A four-man Liberian delegation, two athletes and
two officials, could not leave the country due to Government's failure
to provide financial support for the trip.
Liberia is supposed to pay the fine before the
end of February or risk being suspended from international swimming
activities. |
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