NICK D'ARCY BACK IN THE POOL AUGUST 3
April 23: Swimming Australia has announced today that it has come to an agreement with Nicholas D'Arcy regarding his swimming future.
On April 6, the SAL board of directors terminated D'Arcy's membership from this year's FINA World Championships in Rome (July 26-August 2) after he was convicted of recklessly causing grievous bodily harm.
Positive discussions between SAL and D'Arcy over the past fortnight and subsequent agreement between all parties have satisfied SAL that the referral to an independent Judiciary Committee was no longer required.
SAL president David Urquhart said today:"In making this decision the SAL board took into consideration the events Nick missed prior to his court sentencing, that he will miss this year's World Championships in Rome and the court sentence that is currently in place.
"Nick has further agreed not to participate in any international swimming team or competition between now and August 3, 2009.
"After this time, Nick will be eligible to contest the Telstra Australian Short Course Championships in Hobart from August 8-12, 2009 and be available for Australian Swim Team selection.
"Nick has further agreed to participate in a number of Swimming Australia activities and to locate a mentor, with the assistance of Swimming Australia."
"Swimming Australia and Nick are both pleased that an agreement has been reached and that the uncertainty surrounding 
his swimming future can be resolved.
"It was good to be able to speak to Nick and also his family and lawyers and come to an arrangement that all parties were satisfied with."
D'Arcy was quick to announce that he will be back racing on August 8 in Hobart. He echoed President David Urquhart's sentiments, saying: "I am pleased that I can now focus on my swimming training without any further uncertainty and am looking forward to making my return to competitive swimming at the Australian Short Course Championships in August."
SAL and Nicholas D'Arcy will not be available for any interviews at this time.
BACKGROUND:
On Monday 6 April 2009, the Board of Swimming Australia Limited ("Swimming Australia") terminated Nicholas D'Arcy's membership of the Australian Swim Team competing in Rome at the 2009 FINA World Championships.
The decision was made pursuant to Swimming Australia Team By-Law 17.1 following Nicholas D'Arcy being convicted in the Downing Centre Local Court on 27 March 2009 of recklessly causing grievous bodily harm.
The Board of Swimming Australia had also referred Nicholas D'Arcy to the Swimming Australia Judiciary Committee to determine if there had been a breach of the Swimming Australia General By-Laws and, if so, whether any additional action should be taken against Nicholas D'Arcy.
However, positive discussions between Swimming Australia and Nicholas D'Arcy in the last fortnight and a subsequent agreement have satisfied Swimming Australia that the referral to the Judiciary Committee is no longer required.