ASCO netball officials told to get tough

Officials of the 2012 Karibean Tires Ashburton Sports and Cultural Organization (ASCO) netball competition have been urged to get tough{{more}} with those who try to tarnish the image of the sport.

Natasha Sandy- Stapleton, first-vice president of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association, expressed the sentiment at the opening ceremony Sunday at the Gomea Methodist School hard court.

“I must urge the executive of ASCO to insist that the teams and officials participating in this year’s tournament be punctual for the games, as this would help to instil the discipline needed when these teams enter the national tournament,” Sandy-Stapleton said.

She added “Discipline is another area that the executive is very strong on and discipline takes different forms, such as playing the game in the true spirit of friendship and sportsmanship, respecting the decisions of the umpires and officials.

“… The consumption of alcohol is another area that the SVG Netball Association is strongly against and will not tolerate this from any official or players and we urge the organisers of this tournament to employ this same policy, as we strive to ensure that we have drug-free netballers and officials,” Sandy-Stapleton further said.

She also called on ASCO’s personnel to become part of the set up at the national level.

“We would also like to see more persons from this area coming forward to be umpires, coaches and scorers at the national level … We would soon be launching workshops in these areas and we urge you to take full advantage of this, as the sport can only develop if we have qualified coaches and officials,” Sandy-Stapleton indicated.

Sandy-Stapleton was followed by three other speakers who gave brief remarks.

The others were Denisford Foster, president of ASCO, Cephus Bowens of Karibbean Tires, and Nelson Hillocks, director of physical education and sports.

The inspection of teams followed the remarks.

Trail Blazers of Owia won the best-dressed team award, and Gairy Construction ASCO, the best banner.

The 2012 competition sees 19 teams contesting for honours in the three divisions: First, Second and Under-16.

Maple Club won both the league and knockout competitions in Division 1 last year and Koncept Alliance ASCO did the same in Division 2. (RT)