Source: www.guardian.co.tt
By Brian Lewis
Things happen on a daily basis that make little or no sense and it is hard at times not to question the reasoning, motives and objectives behind some decisions. What is behind it all? What is the motivation? Is power, control and money behind it all? Those who crave all or either of the three do so in the belief that the barometer for success is in having and controlling the money, power or authority.
In the battle for control of the resources those who are expert at obfuscating the facts and the truth set and control the agenda. They are aided by the tendency of Trinidadians to prefer a dash of paint. Once it looks good we cool with that. We love our nuts already shelled. Give us a day at the beach over a day digging a hole any day.
In such an environment it is not difficult to distract people from the real issues. Control of the decision making process; how the funds are distributed and who gets selected is all that matters. Nowhere is the welfare of the sportsmen and women a priority. There are problems to be solved but getting to first base in respect of finding a solution cannot be achieved in the muddy waters of self-interest and hidden agendas. There is a near total lack of understanding of justice and fairness. A consequence is that our sportsmen and women suffer ill treatment or abuse. The careers of our sportsmen and women are negatively impacted due to informal and inconsistent decision making.
It is important that stakeholders perceive that procedures are fair and that the application of policies are transparent and equitable. What is the principle behind the distribution of available resources? Are the criteria fair? The importance of suppressing biases and prejudices, and conformity with acceptable standards of ethics and morality is an absolute necessity. Anyone involved in sport with an iota of care and consideration for what really matters would find the reality behind the perception intolerable.
Basic things need urgent attention. Yet still those who are waging a daily battle for the three towers—money, control and power—cannot see past their own self-absorbed noses. Theirs is a very narrow frame of reference.
It matters not to them that young men and women selected to a national team struggle to get time off from their employers to train and participate. It matters not. It matters not that those who get injured have no insurance or cannot get proper treatment at the respective hospitals. It matters not that when they return to Piarco they have no money or means of getting back to their respective homes. It matters not that the cost of a massage, gym fees or doctor visit is $300 on average. It matters not that the cost of equipment is high and a drain on the pockets of most young people involved in sports. It matters not that twisted ankles and knees are a reality on uneven and poorly maintained fields and facilities.
It matters not that the life of a competitive sportsman or woman is no more than 10-12 years with luck.
It matters not. All that matters is who is in charge and in control of the resources. To what end?
When will we get serious and focus on what really matters? Why the lack of respect for our sportsmen and women and their achievements and needs? It should not be a popularity contest. NSOs and sports administrators must acknowledge that it is not a question of which comes first—the chicken or the egg. Without participants young and old, male and female there will be no sport to administrate. Those who need the resources most are on the outside looking in. Why?