Israeli Swimming Association Approves Major Bylaw Reforms Including Term Limits and Voting Changes

The Israeli Swimming Association held general assemblies on June 30, 2026, where member clubs approved the 2025 financial reports and comprehensive bylaw amendments for the first time in about a decade. Among the key changes, retired judge Rahamim Cohen was appointed as the new president of the association's disciplinary court, and new committee members were approved to oversee conflict-of-interest concerns.

Significant reforms include limiting the term of the association's chairman to two four-year terms, with a possible third and final term only by a two-thirds majority vote, capping service at 12 years. A similar term limit was set for the disciplinary court president. These term limits will take effect starting with the next leadership elections, which were also scheduled to occur every four years in September.

The amendments also addressed voting procedures, a contentious issue in recent years. Each athlete’s vote will count only once regardless of how many disciplines they participate in, and the qualifying membership age for voting was unified at 11 years for both boys and girls. Additionally, the criteria for competitions granting quality points were refined to include only those awarding medals at the most recent World Swimming Championships.

The bylaw revisions were unanimously approved. The reform committee, established by association chairman Attorney Hagai Ashlagi, aimed to implement term limits and simplify vote counting to reduce disputes. Ashlagi expressed hope for a new, clearer chapter in the association’s governance and emphasized the importance of term limits to bring fresh ideas and leadership. He also urged caution around water safety following recent tragic incidents and encouraged parents to enroll their children in swimming clubs to develop lifelong skills that could save lives.