Michael Shum

The Hong Kong China Swimming Association's three-tiered membership system has come under scrutiny, with singer and former swimming athlete Alex Fong Lik-sun accusing it of trying to protect "zombie clubs" - clubs with a long history but poor performances.

The controversy arose after a talented nine-year-old swimmer from a swimming club cofounded by Fong was denied the chance to participate in the year-end championship due to the low status of his club.

Fong questioned whether the three-tiered system - which separates affiliated clubs into full, observer and competition members - is really intended to "put affiliated clubs to a test" or is actually a "protection mechanism for what we called 'zombie club', referring to those who have a long history but are not willing to give up their membership."

Association chairman Ronnie Wong Man-chiu defended the system, saying it is meant to ensure clubs are not established "out of impulse and be closed down easily, or being operated casually."

However, he said the association is open to improving the system, especially for new admissions, as they already have a large number of affiliated clubs.

In response, the association agreed to allow athletes to join competitions in their personal capacity. Wong said the association is also exploring ways to help athletes with potential, such as by allowing them to be "loaned" to friendly clubs that meet the eligibility criteria to participate in competitions.

"We will not cancel their membership as they showed less participation. We can consider improving the system, but new admission will inevitably be more stringent, as we already have a lot of affiliated clubs," Wong said.

Sing Tao

Swimming association accused of protecting 'zombie clubs'