The Aquatic Sports Association is facing a difficult moment. After the resignation of its president Austin Sammut last week, on Monday it was the turn of the secretary Remy D’Amato to call it quits after he had earlier lost a vote of confidence motion that had been presented against him.

In spite of the rivalry that exists between the two top clubs Sliema and Neptunes, the game of waterpolo is dying slowly. The number of clubs that take part in competitions is going down – after the loss of Birzebbuga and Valletta over the past 10 years, other clubs are finding it harder to survive and it will not be a surprise if others follow suit.

While Sliema and Neptunes continue to dominate the local game, the gap that exists between them and other clubs continues to grow year after year. The efforts that have been made by the smaller clubs might have reaped dividends for a year or two, but soon after the Blues and the Reds swallow them up again.

The only matches that attract a full house are the direct encounters between these two clubs. It was not so long ago that other clubs used to be in a position to fight for the honours, but this does not happen any more.

The fact that not all clubs have nurseries and some of the senior teams field players who are nearing their half century rather than try to build on youngsters is also worrying. It is evident that the number of youths practising the sport is dwindling.

This administrative crisis is yet another blow to the game. Mr D’Amato’s letter of resignation has exposed all of the ASA’s weaknesses, and perhaps more inefficiences will be brought to public attention in the weeks to come.

The association must lift itself out of the quandary as soon as possible, and the idea of having popular administrator Joe Caruana Curran take over the role of president is welcome news. Mr Caruana Curran has a wealth of experience he can share, and the fact that he has no connection with clubs will add credibility to the sport when tough decisions have to be taken.

But it would all be in vain if Mr Caruana Curran is not surrounded by a group of dedicated people who love the sport. He cannot do everything on his own.

It is a pity that some clubs do not see beyond their personal interests in the game and refuse people whose contribution would be a big boost. The association needs such people and their commitment to help the game of waterpolo to survive. By turning down their services, the clubs are continuing to dig the game’s grave.