Letter to the Sports Editor…Administration of local football needs a complete metamorphosis

Dec 02, 2012 Sports

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Dear Editor,

With the Golden Jaguars being eliminated from the World Cup Qualifiers and the CFU Caribbean Cup, which in both instances saw Guyana, occupying the cellar in both instances, it was the latter of the two qualifiers that proved more disastrous for Guyana, failing to qualify for the competition’s finals, which enables the top four teams’ participation in the Gold Cup, the symbol of supremacy in CONCACAF.

Meanwhile, Golden Jaguars captain, Chris Nurse spared no bones in advocating for whole sale changes in the manner how the game is being administered locally. He cited inefficient financial remunerations, dishonoring of previous agreements, and last but not least, the role of General Secretary and his Deputy, in the entire scenario.

Additionally, a few days later the trio of Vurlon Mills, Water Moore and Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson added their voices, with the latter even calling for the resignation of the entire executive. Sadly, advocating not representing Guyana again under the current administration.  The GFF executive was as usual late with its press release; debunking the players claim and outlining its position. But this in no way would deter me from publicly advocating that the “Administration of local football needs a complete metamorphosis”, albeit a total rebirth.

First and foremost the GFF must recognize that Chris Nurse and most of the players come from a senior professional background where the levels of administrative structures are vastly more concise and efficient! And definitely not the visionless and outdated structure that is obtained locally!

Secondly, with discrimination and favoritism rife among associations, dismantling the association structure must be a front burner issue. This must be replaced by a regional system, consisting of all ten (10) administrative regions; with an office; head and assistant coach; physical therapist/ physical trainer; administrative officer, website and a board of directors/trustees.

Thirdly, revamped club structures would entail each club in the respective regions to be fully constituted and must have its own training venue; coaching and managerial staff et al.  Failing which, affiliation cannot be granted, while ensuring that each club must have the relevant players to participate, in all age-limit competitions regionally and nationally.

Fourthly, competitions at inter-association level must be something of the past, in pursuit of establishing national club champions at all divisions/age limits. As an example: The National league by now should be expanded to 12 teams, while having a National First Division comprising of 18-20 teams, with Promotion and Relegation becoming automatic.

Fifthly, clubs would provide the impetus for electing office bearers of the GFF, in addition to national coaches, managers etc, based on proven performance(s) and track record(s), regionally and nationally.

In the final analysis fostering more meaningful relationships with the government of the day; through the Ministries of Sports, Education and Regional Development and NDC’s with the relevant funding annually would go a far way towards achieving meaningful development. Cronyism, lackeys and nepotism must become things of the past, while the days of carrying deadweight and baggage must also be over, especially at the decision making level of the nation’s football. And Chris Nurse, captain Golden Jaguars, should be petitioned by football clubs, as Male Sports Personality for 2012 whenever the NSC sits to deliberate.

Concerned football fan

 

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Natural raw talent and spike boots

Dear Editor,
Natural raw talent was indeed just displayed by athletes from all ten administrative regions of Guyana at the just concluded 52nd National School Championships 2012.  Having covered the events for my independent tourism photography project, it was well received and athletes should be very proud of themselves for qualifying and competing with their sterling performances at the highest level of sports of Guyana.
Many new records were set and coaches should also be very proud of themselves for the guidance given with such accomplishments of their respective athletes.  Sponsors should be applauded for their commitment towards this national event.
2012 could very well be the last showing of The National School Championships at the Providence Stadium and a new era is about to begin in 2013 with all and future National Meets now been hosted at the Leonora Synthetic Track on the West Coast Demerara. That is, if the project is fully completed before November 2013.
Very importantly to athletes: with the new era which is a matter of months away, it comes with major changes and adjustments. The most important is that many will have to make an effort to adjust to wearing “SPIKE FOOTWEAR” because with my best of knowledge, I don’t think that it is customary or allowed internationally for athletes to compete “BAREFEET” on a Synthetic Track.  So, I believe it applies to Guyana because we do follow the international rule of the IAAF of one false start and you are out of a track race event.
So, what’s next for Guyana’s athletes after Nationals 2012 and heading overseas?
Un-officially, I understand that it might very well be the 2013 CARIFTA GAMES in THE BAHAMAS and I am only guessing that Guyana will be represented with absolutely no setbacks.
The moment athletes depart the shores of Guyana, they become sports ambassadors and from a Tourism approach, they are also a marketing tool/s of very importance and relevance. So, in my view, sports contribute significantly with The Development of Tourism.
I personally believe that it is not the Government of the day sole responsibility for The Development of Sports, but rather an all inclusive package which should be made up of The Business Community, Health Specialists, Sports Consultants, Coaches, etc…
Respectfully to Sports Fraternities: if you are not open to suggestions, opinions, innovative ideas, transformation, transparency, accountability etc., you will find it very difficult to grow in a much healthier manner…I am no professional or expert, but merely a sports enthusiast sharing my view.
T. Pemberton.

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