Clarendon College coach sees route to better meets

Clarendon College head of physical education and track and field coach Nigel McClymont is hoping to use knowledge gained from a recent technical managers’ course in the Dominican Republic to help improve the staging of track and field meets in Jamaica.

McClymont, a member of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) who has served in various technical capacities at meets across the island, was among 26 participants from across the Caribbean who attended the course. The programme was organised by the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) through general secretary Micharl Serralta and ran from October 13-16.

Before travelling to the Dominican Republic for the practical component, participants completed two online sessions during which they discussed their responsibilities and shared experiences from meets they had attended.

Josue Morales of Mexico served as the course instructor. All 26 participants successfully completed the programme and received certificates.

McClymont said he was pleased with his performance and believes the experience reaffirmed that he is on the right path in his technical work.

He also expressed a willingness to share his knowledge with other technical officials in Jamaica to help ensure that meets are organised and managed efficiently.

Participants also discussed the duties and responsibilities of technical officials in their respective countries and explored ways to improve the overall management of competitions.

McClymont said he is prepared to do whatever is necessary to improve the delivery of local meets and identified three key areas that could make a significant difference.

These include ensuring that the correct equipment is available, keeping meets on schedule, and minimising distractions during competition.

He added that he is willing to develop a programme for the local association to help implement these measures and improve the standard of meet management in Jamaica.