The development comes on the back continued growth of athletics in Botswana, prompting the national governing body to step up its monitoring and regulation of the sport. Amongst the resolutions, adopted at the BAA 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), is the introduction of a P20 registration fee per competition for athletes from the coming season.New members will also be required to pay a P2,000 application fee, whilst annual subscription fees have been set at P500.BAA CEO, Mabua Mabua, told MmegiSport that the new requirements were motivated by the need for cost recovery, given the expenses the association incurred when hosting events.“There have always been membership and subscription fees, even though they were not enforced or followed up properly,” he said.“We are just following that norm and have agreed to make an adjustment to align with the time value of money.”Asked about payments that could be introduced for marathon organisers, Mabua said he was not aware of such a resolution.However, he added the association is currently reviewing its Hosting Guidelines, which will cover road races as well as track and field events.Mabua noted that any fee relating to event organisers would be included in the document, which will be shared with stakeholders for consultation before it is finalised by the end of the year.Meanwhile, the AGM which was held recently, resolved that clubs must meet a number of requirements by March 31 each year.These include payment of annual subscription fees, submission of club colours, an updated list of officials and athletes, the minutes and signed attendance register of the last AGM.A comprehensive financial report and a valid certificate from the Registrar of Societies are also required.Clubs must also participate in BAA activities and compete in a minimum of four events annually, either on or off the track, as well as settle any penalties arising from applicable sanctions under the disciplinary code.The AGM further resolved to allow Selebi-Phikwe Athletics Club, Tlokweng Athletics Club and Maun Track and Field to attend meetings as observers while they complete their re-registration process with the Registrar of Societies before the 2026 Ordinary General Meeting (OGM).The membership of Lobatse Athletics Club was terminated, whilst Werda Athletics Club and Nurturing Athletics Club were admitted as new members.The AGM also approved the introduction of a new membership category for academies on a non-voting basis.All BAA board members were recommended to attain an Advanced Sports Management Course (ASMC) qualification. Clubs have also been given until the next BAA AGM, scheduled for April 30, 2027, to align their constitutions with a four-year term.“Clubs should convene a meeting for the Statutes and Competition Committee to receive inputs on the finance schedule. They should resubmit the finance schedule for revision by the next OGM,” the resolutions document states.Individuals seeking to contest BAA board elections will be required to hold at least a diploma in any field or an equivalent qualification. Police clearance will also be a requirement for candidates.Selebatso Keabetswe, Marumo Morule, and Boikanyo Ratlou have been appointed as BAA scrutineers for the next four years.The Botswana National Olympic Committee and Botswana National Sport Commission have also been tasked with submitting two female observers to the Elections Committee.Other resolutions adopted at the AGM include the fast-tracking of the appointment of the BAA Appeals Board, approval of the budget for the 2026–2027 financial year, adoption of a safeguarding policy, adoption of a disciplinary code, and adoption of elections guidelines.
