Multiply those plusses

The 2023 Bank of SVG National Netball Tournament is done and dusted. More so, this year’s edition was a welcomed return in a wholesome way, after 2019, when the last full tournament was held.

As such, the tournament provided that outlet for females and now males to get engaged in the sport they are best at.

Additionally, and more significantly, the current netball stock of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) came in for proper analysis, hence, the sport’s position got a good assessment, following the three years when it was forcibly put on hold.

Of note too was the general execution of the tournament, which undoubtedly was a vast improvement on previous editions.

From observations, it was clear that some planning and conscious efforts to avoid past pitfalls were pursued.

Commendations must go to President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association (SVGNA), Natasha Baptiste in her first tournament as head of the organisation, and for being on the ball with things.

Undoubtedly, her physical presence at most of the matches, would have negated anything which would have gone awry.

But there were other pluses that are worthy of mention and for the records.

Among the pluses was the uniformity and consistency of the match officials, inclusive of umpires, table personnel, and others.

Of course, no one could have missed them and identify with them in their conspicuous neon green jerseys.

Also, a stand out in the two and a half month duration of the tournament, was the interest held with only one defaulted match.

Indeed, that was significant, as it meant that players in the main were enthused, hence the registered teams stayed the course.

This was against the inevitable occasions that teams were at bare minimum or operated with thin benches.

Relatedly, interest and following of the tournament were sustained away from the Kingstown Netball Centre venue, as the effective use was made of the social media platforms.

The steady flow of information helped in keeping others abreast with the happenings.

The SVGNA though has found itself in a good position as through immediate past president, Doris Mc Intosh, the organisation has wedded the Bank of SVG as his corporate partner.

This relationship was forged in 2020, however, the advent of COVID- 19 did not allow for a full blossoming.

But the two are still in true love, as evidence of the contributions made by BOSVG to the 2023 National Netball Tournament, that added to the successes .

The SVGNA is also fortunate to have FLOW on board, thus making it all the merrier.

Therefore, there is sufficient evidence that the administrative structures are working well, relative to the hosting of the sport’s premier tournament.

There were also glimpses of the sport experiencing some resuscitation. Bright sparks are flickering in some quarters as we saw senior teams consciously making that move to establish feeder pathways towards sustainability.

Notwithstanding the fact that one swallow does not make a Summer, but the process to reset Netball on a firm footing must continue on the priority list.

Here then lies the undertaking of Baptiste and co, as staging a well administered National Tournament is just the end product of all the facets of development.

It is therefore incumbent on the Exco of the SVGNA to ensure there is quality competition especially among the lower divisions, and equally those in the top tier.

The SVGNA’s think tank has to ensure maintenance of the confidence of the business entities in their stewardship and plans to take the sport on an upward trajectory.

The many pluses being accrued have to be multiplied and other areas of consolidation added to the equation.

The baby steps that are being made should not be left to evolve in an uncharted manner. Instead the development structures are to be erected for the harvest in the long term.