Dear Editor,
Football in totality needs a shot in the arm. The three essential components of football are Administration (the most important), Coaching and Refereeing. Editor, the latter two, based upon what I have observed are seemingly lagging behind. Further, despite more courses, seminars and workshops, in coaching and refereeing, the standard of play and officiating leaves much to be desired. Or, is it the players are “hard-headed” to the extent that what is being imparted isn’t being absorbed? Since my retirement from the sport’s administration’s day to day activities as an executive of the GFA in 2010, I can’t recall, if there was ever a complete season, with a calendar of activities encompassing football competitions from: Pee-Wee (Under -11), -13, -15, -17, -19, -21, Division 1 and Premier League. This was a total of eight competitions, reflective of either Leagues, or Round-Robin /Knockout. Then the President’s Cup Knockout, featuring both Division 1 and Premier League teams. While by now (eight years later) female football should have gotten a toehold, unfortunately, this is not so! Why? Lack of foresight and administrative acumen.
Further, organized football in Georgetown, isn’t being played at all divisions. Automatically, it affects the sport nationally, since the Association is the largest, in terms of affiliates, players, and officials. But while securing meaningful sponsorship for competitions remains definitely at its lowest, I refuse to accept that the content of sponsorship letters is that poorly structured! Suffice, it to say that a potential sponsor must be convinced that the company’s/firm’s sponsorship would provide the impetus to further develop and promote the sport; over the protracted period, enabling in excess of: i.e. 200 players to be actively involved in training and playing.
Ensuring the sponsor that adequate mileage for a product/brand of their choice, in pre and post-match write-ups in the print media, along with coverage on the sports news of the electronic media is also important. Providing accountability and transparency, within the budget of expenditure, along with the submission of a detailed competition report, also an audited financial statement is also vital.
While these competitions can act as a deterrent to “crime and drugs”, it’s at this crucial juncture I must inquire what system does the Guyana Football Federation have in place for random drug testing? With a “good listener being a good learner” I was completely shocked to learn of: “a significant amount of youths in Georgetown, that are using pills! With “ganja” usage being common, ecstasy and pink malee have by far outstripped the natural product!
Over two decades ago, the then Guyana Football Association, under the stewardship of Mr. Colin Klass, had a working relationship with Omai, for “drug testing”. At the time “ganja” was the only known product. With “hard core” drugs now in circulation, is the GFF up to the task of a single detection, much less testing, starting with the Elite League? Maybe, a reputable medical institution, with the requisite facilities and personnel can be approached for a concessionary price, providing it’s not beyond the financial reach of the GFF.
In saving the best for last I must as a former Referee and Assistant, express my utter dismay and total shock at the lethargic display by referees and their assistants. Or, are they plain and simple not “fit and proper”? Apart from the Annual Cooper Fitness Test, how often does the national refereeing body conduct fitness runs? In my time of officiating, fitness runs were held every 2-3 months and I can proudly say that I never failed a Cooper Fitness Test. Jogging was done five times a week, chalking up 30 miles; complemented by short sprints and free hand exercises. By the way, is team inspection prior to the start of matches compulsory? Editor, unbelievingly with my naked eyes I have seen players using “cardboard” from boxes, which they cut as “shin pads”, totally unacceptable, in accordance with the Laws of the Game!
I have imposed upon myself, a self-exile from viewing local club matches and it’s more than likely to be extended. This is for the simple reason that I don’t understand what teams are playing. Anyhow I happened to be at GFC during the GFF Stag Beer year-end knockout tournament. A match was in progress: GDF vs Essequibo combined. Within that period of time, the army lineup could not have put together three consecutive passes. No wonder the crowds have diverted. By the way, what progress has the GFA-GFF appointed-IMC made in Georgetown?
Yours faithfully,
Lester Sealey
