Sports meet should mirror international rules

AS a parent of five aquatic athletes – including three who have worn national colours at the senior level – I was shocked by changes that have been made to events at the upcoming National School Sports Council (MSSM) meet in Perak. The formats and rules of Olympics-sanctioned events like swimming and water polo have been changed completely.

For example, water polo is played with seven players in a team, in a standard-sized pool. The MSSM has proposed that the game be played as a four-a-side. The size of the pool is also yet to be determined. Team managers will have to come up with agreed “rules” when they meet at the managers meeting before the games in Ipoh.