Water Polo Australia (WPA) has confirmed a series of amendments to the organisation’s constitution, ensuring closer alignment with international and national sporting governance requirements while continuing to uphold its values of inclusivity, safety, and community.
The changes follow the adoption of a new constitution by World Aquatics (formerly FINA) in December 2022, which established updated statutes and regulations for aquatic sports worldwide. As a voting member of Swimming Australia, WPA is required to bring its constitution into conformity with these standards.
Key Amendments
The constitutional changes include:
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Updating all references from FINA to World Aquatics, along with the replacement of “FINA Rules” with “World Aquatics Statutes and Regulations.”
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Inserting a new interpretation clause to ensure references to bodies such as World Aquatics also apply to any future successor organisations.
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Removing redundant transitional provisions from earlier versions of the constitution.
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Incorporating amendments required by the Australian Sports Commission to maintain National Sports Organisation recognition status beyond 2026.
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Including member-proposed amendments to strengthen governance and clarity.
WPA President Trent Birkett emphasised the importance of these changes for the sport’s future.
“These amendments are about positioning Water Polo Australia in line with the global governance framework, while also ensuring we meet the standards expected here in Australia,” said Mr Birkett.
“It’s essential that our constitution reflects the evolution of our sport at both the international and national levels.”
“At the heart of these updates is our ongoing responsibility to provide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all. Aligning with World Aquatics and the Australian Sports Commission helps us safeguard recognition, but it also strengthens the foundation for the growth and integrity of water polo in this country,” he said.
Click here for Water Polo Australia’s updated constitution.
