School versus club, versus country debate

There seems to be an emerging issue brewing- namely, in Track and Field, inflaming a duel between schools and clubs.

At the heart of the matter is the fight for athletes’ allegiance and loyalty.

Essentially, at the core of the stand-off is athletes’ choice to compete for the school or club when both entities participate in the same championships.

Into the mix as well, is club against country.

This is not a novel instance or occurrence, but can fester if some mechanisms are not put in place to negate semblances of discord and animosity.

But who does the buck stop with when it comes to such a decision?

All sides of the argument have merit.

The schools, through their Physical Education programmes, keep these athletes in shape. Likewise, the annual Inter- Secondary Schools Championships provide that outlet that propels them to national limelight and status.

It is also from that exposure that club coaches are able to woo them to join their establishment.

Similarly, some clubs can boast of having produced the athlete/ athletes, or have added real value to the innate talents.

However, when clubs want to dictate what events their athletes should compete in, or deny their participation at the national level, it advances the argument to a different narrative.

Whilst not reaching a crisis point, the need for a conversation is timely, worthwhile, and instructive for future engagements.

One route of prevention is for schools to give definitive mandates and rules of operation, and have student-athletes and parents sign off on it.

Ultimately, the decision is that of the respective sportsman or woman, as it is their fundamental right to choose their representation.

Critically though, those who play sports should see donning the colours of St Vincent and the Grenadines as national service and do so with pride and dignity.

Too, our club coaches and schools’ Physical Education teachers should be mindful that their demeanour and disposition often rub off on their charges.

Physical Education teachers and coaches are themselves influential persons in the building of character of our youth population.

Careful nurturing of such impressionable and fertile minds is a task that requires persons who must acknowledge their mentorship status. In short, their input carries a high price tag.

Anything other than circumspect and judicious culturing of those who are looking for guidance can turn out to be counter productive.

Worst case scenario is the development of a cultish attitude of the young sportsmen and women.

Let the policies, commitment to cause , freedom of choice and most importantly, the conversation begin.