A bad idea!

Jan 09, 2024 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom

---

Kaieteur News – In a recent announcement, President Irfaan Ali unveiled a proposal to employ national athletes as coaches and mentors in schools, ostensibly to create employment opportunities for these athletes and enhance sports in schools.

However, there are significant flaws in this plan, with potential repercussions for both the athletes and the overall development of sport in Guyana. The first rationale put forth by the President is that this initiative would address unemployment among national athletes. While the intention is commendable, the execution raises concerns about the impact on the athletes’ training regimens. Success in sports at regional and international levels often hinges on the rigorous training and preparation that athletes undergo. In disciplines like table tennis, where Guyana has faced challenges in achieving success, the limited training hours of national athletes have been identified as a contributing factor why racquet wielders from countries such as the Domincan Republic and Puerto Rico often do better than our national players.

During the Forbes Burnham era, the Guyana Defence Force employed boxers and allowed them to train on the job. Athletes of promise were paid to train by being employed. The President’s proposal is not a payment for training scheme. It is an employment scheme for national athletes. Instead of being employed within schools to coach and act as mentors, national athletes need to retainer contracts akin to those offered to cricketers by the West Indies Cricket Board, requiring a specified commitment to training. Assigning them to schools risks diverting crucial time and focus away from their training regimens, potentially hindering their competitive edge on the international stage.

Also, this proposed plan by the President clashes with the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport’s vision for an Elite Training Programme for national athletes. This programme, aimed at optimising the potential of our athletes, demands their undivided attention and should be accompanied by a deserving salary. Redirecting athletes to schools could dilute the effectiveness of the Elite Training Programme and compromise the overall development of national sports.

The second rationale outlined by the President, aiming to boost sports in schools, is equally flawed. The fundamental issue with sports in schools is not the absence of coaches but the systemic challenges within the education system. High-achieving students grapple with time constraints due to extra lessons and lengthy commutes, leaving little room for sports. Students simply do not have enough time for sport; they are too busy trying to fill the gap left by the poor level of instruction in most schools.

The suggestion to dedicate the August holidays to sports programs could provide a viable solution to promoting sport and fine arts in schools. If done during the August recess, it can avoid placing undue pressure on students during the academic year. The assumption that national athletes automatically make effective coaches is unfounded. Not everyone can be a coach. Having the skills without the communication is a recipe for failure.

Not every top athlete possesses the skills and knowledge necessary to guide and nurture young talents. Experience has shown that some of the world’s best coaches did not necessarily excel as athletes in their respective disciplines. Therefore, the President’s proposal may not be conducive to the long-term development of aspiring athletes.

Rather than redirecting national athletes to coaching roles in schools, the government should consider alternative strategies. Improving the remuneration and support for existing coaches, should be the foremost priority at this time. Many national coaches, despite their invaluable contributions, are currently underpaid and lack essential resources to do their jobs effectively. Addressing these issues would not only recognize their efforts but also motivate them to continue nurturing the country’s sporting potential.

Another avenue for improvement lies in enhancing the viability of the club system. Instead of struggling financially, clubs should be empowered to actively contribute to talent development. A model that assists clubs in attracting more participants and securing resources for talent development is essential. By fortifying the grassroots level, the government can create a more sustainable and robust foundation for the future of Guyanese sports.

Therefore, while President Irfaan Ali’s proposal to employ national athletes as school coaches may seem well-intentioned, it can, and most likely will hinder the progress of Guyana’s sports on multiple fronts. What is needed is a comprehensive strategy that addresses the systemic issues within the education system, improves coach remuneration, and strengthens the club system. Without those things, the development of sport will go nowhere in Guyana.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)

---

• athletes, mentors, National, President Irfaan Ali, repercussions

---