RESOLUTIONS OF THE GENERAL COUNCIL OF ATHLETICS SOUTH AFRICA 12TH AND 13TH SEPTEMBER 2009, HPC, September 14 2009

RESOLUTION 1:
12th IAAF World Championships, Berlin, Germany

The General Council;

1.1 Congratulated Ms. Mokgadi Caster Semenya, Mr. Mbulaeni Mulaudzi Mr. Khotso Mokoena and the SA Marathon Team for their excellent performance at the 12th IAAF World Championships.

1.2 Congratulated all the athletes who participated in these championships though they did not make it to the final in their respective events.

1.3 Congratulated the president and the management team for success of the team in Berlin and dealing with all other issues that arose in the best interest of athletes.

RESOLUTON 2

IAAF/ASA dispute

2.1 The General Council approved of the manner in which the President Mr. Leonard Chuene and the management of ASA handled the issue affecting one of its athletes with the IAAF.

2.2 The General Council endorsed the report presented by the President regarding the events leading to current dispute with the IAAF.

2.3 The Council noted with concern that, contrary to its position as the custodian of athletics in the World, the IAAF:-

• Did not follow their constitution and procedures in dealing with the matter;
• Failed to observe the confidentiality required to handle the matter of this sensitivity; and the human rights of the athlete;

The Council therefore called on the IAAF to apologize to the athlete, her family and the people of South Africa.

2.4 The Council further urged the IAAF to refrain from communicating with Athletics South Africa (ASA) through media statements and use official communication channels.

2.5 The Council request the media to report this matter with the sensitivity and discretion it deserves and observe the athletes right to privacy, respect and dignity.

2.6 The Council instructed Mr. Leonard Chuene to withdraw his resignation from the Council of the IAAF and resume his responsibilities in that body as mandated by Athletics South Africa (ASA) and the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA).

2.8 The Council commended ASA for the support given to the athlete and further urged that the support continue beyond this period.

2.7 The Council appointed a scientific and a legal panel to take up this matter with the IAAF.

• The legal panel will be led by James Evans and Koos Pansegrauw, while
• The scientific panel will be led by Rishi Hansrajh and Professor Tim Noakes.

2.8 Athletics South Africa confirmed its support and confidence in the President Mr. Leonard Chuene, that he had handled the matter exceptionally well and advised him to continue defending the athletes.

2.9.1 The Council mandated the ASA President to engage the Government through the Ministry of Sport & Recreation and the Portfolio Committee on Sport on ongoing basis until the matter is concluded.

2.10 The Council thanked the people of South Africa for their unwavering support from the time this matter surfaced until now. The people are urged to continue supporting the athlete and the Federation in the quest to restore her dignity, human rights and right to privacy.

Source: Athletics South Africa

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