By Ray RobertsThe current D Sports Shop-sponsored Inter-Secondary Schools Netball Tournament is exposing the great divide among the competing teams and above all the poor preparation of many of the competing schools.
Defending champion the Anglican High School (AHS) is overpowering its opponents in matches played thus far in the tournament. The Tanteen girls’ school has played unchallenged. winning its opening game 66 goals to one and the second 85 goals to four. We commend the coaching staff of the High school and the other teams which spent time in pre-competition preparation.
However, it does not augur well for netball that several schools did not prepare for the competition. The schools beaten by margins of 66 goals to one and 80 goals plus do not reflect serious pre-tournament preparation.
The Inter-Schools netball tournament is a great tradition of many decades. Generally, it is staged in October. Games teachers and coaches have an entire year to work with students beginning in form one. The lack of fighting spirit displayed in the performances of the schools overwhelmed by their opponents is a reflection of the level of work done by the netball coaches.
It appeared that in some schools the games teachers and coaches arbitrarily grouped players to satisfy the Ministry of Sports and the Principal of the respective schools. Players come into the match convinced they cannot win and therefore go through the motion
Games teachers and coaches ought to take greater pride in student-athletes. They provide them with employment and in return should endeavour to bring the best out of each one. Entering a school team in a tournament must showcase the pride and passion of that school. The school colours must have meaning, something great. The student-athletes chosen must see themselves as being privileged to represent their institution. Games teachers and coaches who lack that pride are unfit for the job and in the interest of the students, they must be redeployed to other areas of employment.
Winning is not the issue! Rather it is the individual leadership you bring to the job, creating a culture of pride, discipline and respect for the event. The life of a coach is to help nurture the student-athlete. Also, a coach’s l; life is ongoing education in technical competencies and socio-psychology to better assist those in his/her care.
The Ministry of Sports and the Secondary Schools Principals Association owe it to the student-athlete that people employed as coaches/games teachers have a burning desire for the job and above all, a passion for knowledge to be world-class coaches and role models.
