General: Mixed reactions over new Sports Regulations

Several Sports Associations have shown their displeasure over Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera’s decision in promulgating regulations removing most of the intrusive, restrictive regulations introduced in 2013. 

However, a selected number of Sports Associations are silent over the issue and seem to have agreed with the Sports Minister. 

This is the first time that the Sports Minister had taken a direct decision to amend the Sports Law unlike his predecessors who had consulted the National Sports Associations and had also gazetted the relevant changes. 

The Minister had a meeting with all National Sports Associations on Friday along with the NOC officials which was criticized by several officials. 

Some officials stated they were pleased with the age limit but were completely against the ruling prohibiting Sports Ministry officials from holding office. 

But some Sports Associations accused the Sports Minister that they have not even received the gazette notification. 

The new sports decisions 

The latest rules, published are aimed at safeguard the autonomy and jurisdiction of the independent National Sports Associations. 

Critics argue, however, that they have encouraged greater politicisation by allowing politicians to contest elections. 

Under National Associations of Sports Regulations No. 01 of 2016 dated October 2, a person shall be disqualified from being elected or continuing to hold any paid or unpaid office if he “is or becomes a Member of Parliament, any Provincial Council or of any Local Authority”. 

But there is a proviso: “Provided however, such person who had represented Sri Lanka or an affiliated club or organization in the sport promoted by that Association or has participated as an individual in such sport in any major tournament, meet or competition registered, conducted or approved by the Ministry of Sports or by a National Association of Sports and in possession of a certificate issued to the above effect shall not be disqualified;’. 

The regulations have limited the term of an office bearer to a maximum of two terms, where a term could vary from a year to four years according to the constitution of the respective sports bodies. 

This is in violation of the Olympic Charter and the governing statutes of most of international sports bodies which put no restriction on terms of office. 

“Every office bearer of the Committee shall hold office for a period not exceeding four years and be eligible for re-election, for one more term,” the regulations read. 

“Provided however, that such office bearer shall be prohibited from being re-elected to office on 
Consecutive terms: Provided further, an office bearer shall be eligible for re-election unless removed on disciplinary grounds by the Disciplinary Committee.” 

The new regulations have set out a list of conditions to be fulfilled by those seeking office in national sports associations but they are no longer required to have played the game at the highest level--a mandatory requirement in the previous regulations of 2013, except in the case of a politician. 

The regulations also deem it mandatory to submit audited financial statement within the stipulated time period in order for the president, secretary or the treasurer to seek re-election. 
“……..he being a person who has held the post of President, Secretary or a Treasurer of a National Association of Sports, which has failed or neglected to submit due Audited Financial Statement within the stipulated time period”. 

The regulations have effectively shut the door on anyone other than professional accounts technicians from contesting the post of treasurer or assistant treasurer. 

“The treasurer who shall be a member of the Association of Accounting Technicians of Sri Lanka or possess a certificate of certified business accountant or above issued by the institute of Chartered Accountant of Sri Lanka; or possess a certificate in banking and finance issued by Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka; and an Assistant Treasurer who shall be a person having experience at least one year in the field of financial management,” the regulations state. 

The ministry had earlier set an age limit of 75-years. This has been reduced to 70 years, much to the surprise of senior officials. 

A National Olympic Committee source, however, said this is likely to be shot down by the International Olympic Committee once sent for their approval. 

The Sports Minister’s powers on appointment of selectors have been shelved and given it back to the National Sports Associations to name their own selectors. 

In late 2013, the IOC demanded a complete overhaul of a set of intrusive regulations introduced early in the year in a bid to safeguard the autonomy and the jurisdiction of National Sports Associations.