I have been asked by a number of divers to raise the following concerns regarding the national team selection.

1. Choice of divers.

Question: There are concerns that some divers have been selected not on a merit basis. There are some divers that do not come in the top 15 in the ranking system and another that has not dived locally for years. This does not go well with divers that are putting in the effort by doing the trails and nationals.

Answer: We do realize that some of the divers are not in the top 15 on the Ranking system, but the system was put there for a guideline. The decision on who to invite was not taken lightly. All results were taken into consideration and the list cut down to who we think will have the best chance on consistency and ability in the conditions in Venezuela. There are one or two competitors included to compare them to the rest on the grounds that we need to create depth and experience in the squad.

We as selectors are trying to work on a long term plan to get SA Underwaterfishing “spearfishing” to a competitive level. Our biggest problem being funds. The second being, breeding a system of committed divers to create depth. As you know this is a near impossible task because of work commitments, available leave and funds.  (Read: We are not (allowed to) do this professionally.)

As far as the inclusion of Chris is concerned, he is a South African diver working overseas. His results in competitions overseas as well as in SA say much for his capabilities. Further we think that as far as commitment is concerned, being willing to travel all that way and spend all that money with the odds stacked against him, shows a hell of a commitment. He is one of yours ( Natal ) / ours( SA ) !!! 

In an article in the paper on 12/09/07 the Argentinean Rugby union stated that 80% of their players play outside their country. Giving their players so much more experience. We all know that they beat France in the opening game. Is SA rugby going to suffer for making a decision to disallow players to play overseas?

We would like to stress at this point that there are certain individuals that will have to prove without a shadow of a doubt, there worthiness of being in this team. That is where the "committed" divers you refer to scores, because of all their stats that are available to fall back onto.

2. Diving zones

Question: There is a general feeling that the zones should be in a block form versus a circle. The reasons being that here in KZN we usually have current and it is more practical to dive from point to point. Also it is much easier to mark and police.

Answer: With GPS and echo sounders now being allowed at worlds the navigation starts to play a very important role in diving in worlds. With Nationals so close to Worlds the results will not be in time to choose a team for Worlds. Time and money stipulated that there is basically only time for one trial. Now we have a new dilemma: The venue. As you know diving against a Natal side in Natal makes it very difficult, if not impossible for all the participants from other regions. However, from what we could gather the conditions will in all likelihood be very similar to Natal. Hence the comp on your back door.

Now, as you know, the most intimidating thing in Worlds is diving shoulder to shoulder with another competitor as soon as you start shooting nice fish. The format of this comp will show who can handle this pressure as well as give others the experience.

The divers from other areas have a HUGE disadvantage diving in “Girzdaland”. The biggest disadvantage being the huge cost and time involved for non “Natallions” to scout.

Conclusion: The area was made relatively small; remember there are only a few divers in the water, to give a slightly better chance for other competitors to scout.

The areas will be round as it does not run all the way to the shore, and setting up buoys are impractical. However it will be extremely easy to navigate and police, as all you have to do is set up the centre point and then you will have a constant readout of distance from that point, while still being able to navigate with your plotter. This also stresses the importance of having a good assistant.

Plan your strategy around this as, most importantly; it is the same for everyone!!

3. Diving Selector.

Question: Another concern was the Diving selector. It is generally felt that a selector should be totally neutral. However we have a selector who is also a prospective candidate. He has collectively been involved with the selection of divers, selection of venue and selection of areas.

Answer: This is a bit of a problem. After a lot of different options were considered we came up with the following: Although Gyula is more than willing to step down as selector, the constitution does not allow us to appoint somebody else accept by special meeting with a quorum. As this is much too costly and will start a whole new barn fight about who to choose from which province etc. this is completely impractical.

At the meeting in PE when the selectors were chosen it was decided that it would be very fair to have a selector with experience from the different provinces and Natal put forward Gyula well knowing that he is still competitive. Therefore you are going to have to live with that decision and if you still feel strongly about that, take it into consideration when selecting selectors at the meeting at Nationals when our term expires anyway.

We as selectors do however feel that the system currently in place eliminates bias and we have full confidence that the decisions being made will be in the best interest of the SAUFF and our sport.

4.Diving spots

Question: Gyula has generously offered to supply gps marks for non local divers. It is felt that all the participants should receive these marks and not only the non local divers.

Answer: Come on John, you have a lifetime of experience and I am sure a ton of spots in the particular areas. You live there and can scout there to your hearts content from now till January. Throw the “Capies” a bone!

Do you really believe that whatever spots are given is going to be the best and will put you at a disadvantage in your home waters?

5. Diving dates

Question: The dates for the trails fall within the school holidays. Over this period to get accommodation you have to book in advance. Some divers may have already made bookings and this may clash with the trails.

Answer:  In your complaint, you say "may have" and " may clash". We therefore have hope. If you can get all the people involved itineraries to coincide then that will be a miracle and you can go ahead and let us know the dates at the right time of year and with the right moon phase. We will accept.

The general idea is anyway that the Natal guys will host the "Capies" and that they would not have to make bookings and fork out money for accommodation.

It would be great if these issues were addressed on the same site so that the concerns of the divers can be addressed publicly

Answer: So be it.

Conclusion:  The goal was to host a trial in a not ideal world, area, timing, and as close as possible to Worlds conditions etc, that will be as fair as possible to all divers to prove themselves. I.e. if anyone thinks that he is better than somebody else or that a person is not worthy to be there, come and out dive him and prove your point! We are striving to a future where we go to Worlds, not only to participate, but to actually have the expertise, time and recourses to be able to win.

Imagine a SAUFF so strong that we can enter different "springbok" teams into all other major competitions all over the world. i.e. instead of having 3 divers representing SA abroad, we can have 12 or 15 people per year participating all over the world, gaining invaluable experience and creating more depth in SA spearfishing.

SAUFF are aiming to send the BEST TEAM POSSIBLE !!

Good luck to all and may the best men win!!

John Girzda

On behalf of kzn diving community