GFF gears up to expand sport

Jan 10, 2009 Sports

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– calls for collaboration with all stakeholders

By Rawle Welch
If one is to judge from yesterday’s forceful pronouncements made by Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Colin Klass during an interview with Kaieteur Sport then the relevant stakeholders could feel a sense of ease that it would not be business as usual.
Klass, who was speaking from the GFF Head Office in Section ‘K’ Campbellville, confirmed that the Federation will be tailoring its programmes to facilitate the expansion of the sport in many facets, while mistakes made in the past will be pertinently dealt with.
The GFF Head was specifically referring to areas of indiscipline, doping and betting which had been allowed to fester within the sport for sometime.
“At our General Council Meeting which was held recently, we unanimously agreed to work together to assist in the holistic development of the sport and that will entail potently implementing FIFA’s statutes and ensuring that they are effectively adhered to that will change the whole image of the sport here,” Klass told Kaieteur Sport.
According to Klass among the other matters discussed was the need to work more closely with the Referees Council to help bring about some form of professionalism, to continue discussions with the business sector to establish a Pro League, to work along with the Ministries of Education and Sport to re-introduce the sport in schools, to offer guidance to clubs on the issue of transfers, to foster a closer relationship with other sports associations, to conduct courses that will help develop more coaches and to implement the plans constructed by the Finance Committee to maintain a good relationship with their faithful sponsors and to encourage more to come on board.
Touching on the immediate plans, the GFF Boss said that the first order of business would be to look at the current administrative staff with an aim of determining whether they could reduce the overhead cost of running the entity, citing the global financial crisis that is sure to affect them as the primary reason.
“We are currently reviewing the situation and if we determine that there is need to cut staff, we will do so and try to consolidate as far as practicable our activities to reduce cost.”
He, however, added that they will not attempt to release too many persons for fear of not having the numbers to effectively fulfill their mandate.
Plans for development –
One of our main focuses in this regard is to concentrate on junior development and by that I mean is to ensure that the quality at the foundation level is adequately addressed.
We have to ensure that from an early age, the knowledge base of the youths is enhanced so that it can provide a long term positive impact on the sport.
Another aspect of development is to make sure that clubs are familiar with the rules that govern the sport since we have already advised the referees that unlike what had obtained in the past where they displayed admirable flexibility with regards to the laws, we now would like them to apply them vigorously under the guidance of FIFA’s ruling.
The clubs have been advised that copies of the rules of the game are available at the GFF office and it would be in their interest to get them.
Another feature is that our referees and instructors will be moving around the country to impart their knowledge as well and this will be intensified as the year progresses.
Pro League –
We are currently in the final stages of discussions with potential sponsors in relation to setting up such a League.
Our vision is to start small and gradually expand and this to my mind is another way of aiding in the development of the sport here.
We have to reach a stage where when clubs that are solely responsible for developing a player’s career do not lose him to a club in a foreign country.
We must be able to retain our best players and not suffer from their exodus which will continue to occur if such a League continues to be absent from out agenda.
Doping –
This year we intend to work with a number of agencies to control the doping scourge.
Random tests will be done during competitions at all levels and presently we are working out the cost of the kits to conduct such testing.
We see it as necessary to implement since it confirms with FIFA’s mandate and regulations.
Betting –
First of all, let me categorically state that betting contravenes the regulations of the Federation and we will be taking a hard look at those that are involved.
Allegations had surfaced over the last month that there were occurrences of such behaviour and we will be sending out copies that will advise clubs that it is a violation and what the consequences are if found in breach of the law.
FIFA’s motto ‘No to racism’-
We need to find ways to really unite our people in every aspect and I intend to meet with the President of the Guyana Cricket Board shortly after their elections, whoever, he may be to discuss the possibility of us collaborating and bringing the two sports together.
I hope that these plans can be extended long term, we must have cohesion and unity if we’re to go forward.
It must be unity of purpose where the GFF, Business Sector, parents, teachers, Government and all interested parties work together for a common cause.

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