Coaches called to unite

There is an ominous sense that things are getting very toxic among several of our coaches in some of the sporting disciplines here.

With St Vincent and the Grenadines being a relatively small place, such acts are easily accessible, as the small capital base of personnel involved makes them even more identifiable.{{more}}

The problems, though, mainly exist in track and field and tennis, with others experiencing some tremors, but on a miniscule scale

It is track and field, though, which is the most glaring and most publicised.

What then is the real deal for the evident discord and fallout with the few active track and field coaches?

A clash of egos, differences in opinions, a fight for turf, limelight and temporary national recognition are the main causes of the bussing up which has been bandied about.

Too, the ownership of the young athletes is consuming a large chunk of the mounting problems, with the “my athlete” talk the common phrase.

Sadly, the vulnerable minds of the athletes are caught up in the melee, with the parents too, in the main, the bystanders.

Whatever is the underpinning reason, if not checked now, the situation seems destined to have another “stink ah road” outcome.

And, the stories are becoming more and more abrasive of the strained tensions, which are mounting.

We are hearing of athletes being told not to train with other coaches and are even sidelined if they dare do so.

Whilst one expects some level of loyalty to the coaches, are not all the coaches working towards the progress of track and field in St Vincent and the Grenadines?

The coaches in this instance should hold good on the biblical principle that some will water, whilst others will reap the harvest.

Things have gone so awry that one should not be surprised if two of these said coaches knuckle it out in physical combat.

But for the common good of civility, let us hope it does not get to this stage.

Therefore, instead of fighting with one another, the coaches will be better served if they pool their expertise and give the young athletes the best they can.

And, this should take root, as fortunately, St Vincent and the Grenadines has several coaches who are well trained and certified in special fields.

Hence, for the betterment of track and field, do not take it all, spread yourselves thinly and achieve little, but give up on your ego, and let the athletes be open to the best person with the know-how.

Additionally, the time may be ripe for the re- installing of a vibrant coaches association.

Similarly, in tennis, allegations have surfaced that some of the young players are debarred from participating in the few local tournaments, because of differences among personnel who are in charge of the respective entities.

This is indeed a sad state of affairs, as the sport is going through serious transition, and is barely holding its head above water.

Thus, any opportunity for the budding tennis players who can move from the grass root stage, so that they can excel, must be fostered.

It is time too for these coaches to break down the barriers and get on with the sport, which like others, has export potential.

St Vincent and the Grenadines is big enough for everyone to set aside their differences and work in the interests of those athletes, who they profess to be dear to their hearts.

The politics of sports in St Vincent and the Grenadines is fast mirroring the divisive trend which national party politics has taken on, which does not augur well for social cohesion and promoting good living.

Sometime ago, ON TARGET was forced to address the topic, as there were signs of discord, but the situation is so pungent that if left to persist, it can cause convulsions.

The late great Robert Nesta Marley, aka Bob Marley, many years ago in one of his songs, called on Africa to unite; this column in 2012, though, is calling on coaches to unite.

The coaches should acknowledge that it is not the medals and trophies won, but the attitudes that are changed.