Letter of the Day | Reset call for track and field

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Historically, Jamaica is recognised as a dominant force in the world of track and field, starting from the 1948 Olympics.

Not only has this remarkable country created a rich legacy for itself, but it has even seemingly inspired some of our own Caribbean neighbours to greater heights.

We are now at a crossroads in track and field regarding the new way forward, if we are to protect our envious legacy and avoid repeating the uncomfortable experience of the Paris Olympics.

The JOA and JAAA, as leaders of sports in Jamaica, must learn to act as such and reorganise themselves around being more cooperative and inclusive with each other, as well as with other shareholders. Shareholders include the Ministry of Sports, athletic clubs, coaches, sponsors and, of course, the athletes.

Why do the leaders of the JOA and JAAA have to be at loggerheads with each other? Why does the JAAA allow rifts to develop between itself and the coaches/clubs? If they are at variance with the coaches, how can they expect to maintain great rapport with athletes at critical events such as the Olympics?

Why would the JOA have a function honouring our national representatives without inviting the minister of sports? And why would they schedule such an event making it difficult for the president of the JAAA to attend?

Why isn’t there a more amicable relationship between the JAAA and some of the more prominent coaches? The JAAA, as managers, should be the bigger man who offers the olive branch, as there will always be differences with coaches with big egos.

Maintaining a modus operandi with solid principles and policies could reduce the likelihood of personality clashes. Once clear lines of communication and engagement are established, working together becomes less combative.

Why do leaders of such organisations always seem to want to appear bigger than the organisations they represent as well as the objectives of the organisation?

As a world power in track and field, we owe it to the people of Jamaica, especially the athletes, the sport and the impressive legacy that we have inherited, to fix this toxic situation.

For heaven’s sake, PROTECT THE BRAND!!

I believe that if we all have shared objectives, there should be a clear way for us to move amicably forward together.

TREVOR BAILEY