Why? Who was rejected? 

The Aquatics chairman, or any chairman, has no authority to reject an applicant, only to recommend. Only the board can reject if brought to it by the president.

From the bylaws:

Section 10.02. Appointments. Chairpersons and members shall be members of the
Association eligible to vote and shall be appointed or reappointed by the President, with the consent of the Board of Directors. No one employed by the Association shall be eligible to serve as a voting member of a committee or ad hoc advisory body. Each chairperson shall recommend persons to serve and shall report to the President the non-participation of appointed members. Any member may be reappointed to serve on the same or a new committee or advisory body. Members may be appointed at any time to fill vacancies so the committee or advisory body may operate at its authorized size. The chairpersons and Board of Directors shall make every effort to obtain representatives from as many sections of the Subdivision as possible and, when appropriate, advertise vacancies through official Association media