NACAC Information Session # 2 of 2021

Member federations attending last Saturday’s 2nd NACAC Information Session for 2021 heard of the importance of seeking to complete the World Plan Survey that has been circulated by World Athletics over the past several weeks. Willie Banks, World Athletics Council Member, informed the members in attendance that there were still several NACAC members that are yet to complete the survey and urged their compliance at the earliest opportunity.

Additionally, Jee Isram of the World Athletics International Relations and Development Department informed the Session that only five (5) NACAC members were still in default of submitting their Annual Report. He urged compliance soonest.

Another World Athletics Council Member, Abby Hoffman, informed those in attendance of her acceptance of an offer to Chair the NACAC Governance Commission for the moment. The vacancy occurred consequent upon the resignation of Ephraim Serrette, the former Treasurer of NACAC. Already, Hoffman has communicated with the members of the Governance Commission seeking to convene a meeting. Among the agenda items will be:

Review of Commission mandate and priorities for 2021

Action Plans to address Governance issues in specific NACAC member federations (notably

Aruba Athletics Federation and the Member Federation of Haiti).

NACAC’s Development thrust advances

NACAC’s thrust in the sphere of athletics’ development work received a major boost during the past week.

On Tuesday 23 March, President Mike Sands and General Secretary, Keith Joseph, met with Duffy Mahoney, one of the most experienced sports administrator in the world and who is currently the Chief of Sport Performance for the USA Track and Field (USATF), the governing body for the sport in the country.

The meeting focused on the fact that subsequent to earlier discussions with Max Siegel and Renee Washington of USATF regarding collaboration going forward, Duffy Mahoney has been assigned to facilitate areas of collaboration in respect of development in NACAC.

Mahoney will work with NACAC on the development of a significantly progressive Circuit to be in effect in time for the 2022 competitive season and explore the possibility of introducing new initiatives that would at once bolster interest and participation in the sport within the NACAC Area.

NACAC, already boasting the best athletes in the world, is now intent on ensuring that it creates the most dynamic circuit and Championships consistent with that fact. Much emphasis will be placed on the next generation of athletes heading to elite status, creating an enhanced feed through to medal achievements at the World Championships and Olympic levels.

On Wednesday 24 March, General Secretary, Keith Joseph, convened a meeting that brought together Laurent Boquillet, Head of Global Development of the World Athletics International Relations and Development Department and John-Paul Clarke, Chair of the N ACAC Development Commission.

Discussions focused on the educational programmes planned by the NACAC Commission – The Administrators’ Pathway and the Athletes’ Pathway – where the modules and presenters have already been identified.

The Commission is desirous of full utilisation of the World Athletics’ E-learning Platform for the delivery and archiving of the content of the Pathways.

The stage is already set for the Pathways to be executed during the course of this year. Laurent – Wednesday

Friendship Invitational 2021 postponed

Yet another important competition has fallen prey to the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic. This time it is the Friendship Invitational.

The Ligue de Martinique d’Athlétisme had been the declared host of the Friendship Invitational scheduled for 29 May 2021. However, NACAC has received reports from Martinique that the local health situation remains at a stage where the protocols that have been implemented by the authorities cannot be lifted enough to allow for the scheduled sporting activity can be allowed to take place.

The Ligue de Martinique d’Athlétisme has already informed all invited federations of the postponement noting its sincere regret.

“We thank you for your support and as soon as we return to a certain “normalcy”, the Friendship Invitational will take place and we do look forward to welcoming you and your athletes for a weekend rich in great athletics”, the Ligue de Martinique d’Athlétisme stated in its communication to all invited federations.

Carifta 2021

The LOC of Carifta 2021, having delivered a good status report to last Saturday’s NACAC Information Session, continues to work diligently in the face of numerous challenges.

On Sunday 28 March, LOC Chair and member federation President, Donna Raynor, met with the Carifta 2021 Medical lead late to discuss the very latest situation.

The LOC will establish a full Medical Team that will oversee all aspects of the medical requirements, especially application of, adherence to and systematic monitoring of the medical protocols prior to, during and in the immediate aftermath of the Games. NACAC Medical and Anti-Doping Commission Chair, Dr Adrian Lorde, will be fully engaged with the Medical Team which will hold monthly meetings going forward.

Costa Rica

Athletics competitions continued over the weekend in NACAC member federation, Costa Rica. On Saturday 27 March, the federation hosted its inter-regional tournament in the city of Guanacaste.

Saturday’s competition featured 248 registered athletes.

Yoshua Villafuerte Obregon set a new national record in the Discus Throw for the U-20 male category, achieving 48.98m. This bettered the previous record of 46.34m set by Bryan Méndez in 2011.

Jamaica

The continued spread of the pandemic in Jamaica has forced a cessation of the athletics competitions that have been taking place over the past several weeks with some outstanding performances being served up by eager athletes.

The Jamaica government has, this past week, instituted a three-week lockdown in the country. The first major meet that has been cancelled in the annual Gibson-McCook Relays, which had been declared postponed only a few days ago.

A release from the organisers reads, “The chairman and members of the Gibson-McCook Relays Organising Committee regret to advise loyal track and field fans that due to the catastrophic rise in cases of the COVID-19 virus across the island, we have taken the decision to cancel the Gibson-McCook Relays (GMR) for 2021, following our postponement of the meet to the 27th of March”

The Relays, which started in 1973, has been cancelled on four previous occasions for different reasons.

The planned competitions have been called to a halt by the national health authorities. During this week the President of JAAA, Garth Gayle, will lead a delegation to talks with government officials that could well determine whether or not the annual Boys’ and Girls’ Champs, the world’s premier High Schools track and field Championships, will take place as scheduled. The event was cancelled in 2020 because of the pandemic.

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Team Athletics St Vincent and the Grenadines (TASVG), the governing body for athletics in St Vincent and the Grenadines, has returned to training and competition. On Saturday 13 and again on 20 March, Trials were held at the new national stadium with some good performances from local athletes.

Adhering to established protocols, TASVG was able to conduct the trials without any problems.

On Saturday 27 March, TASVG convened the first of its Introduction to Hurdles session. This will be followed by a beginners’ Jumps session on Saturday 3 April, before a return to Trials on 10 April.

TASVG has singled out three communities – Brighton, Stubbs and Biabou – for special attention because of their sporting legacy as well as proximity to the national stadium. The programme will incorporate the several villages in and around the aforementioned places.

This initiative will be a pilot project which will be replicated across St Vincent and the Grenadines. The concept is that athletics can and should be practised everywhere.

NACAC Constitution Review Process

The NACAC Constitution Review process has taken another step forward with the circulation, among member federations, of all four documents prepared by the Constitution Review Working Group led by Robert Hersh, former IAAF (now World Athletics) Vice President.

The documents have been provided in English and Spanish.

Member Federations are asked to carefully study the documents and submit their comments at the earliest opportunity.

NACAC has also scheduled a Special Information Session for Saturday 24 April, beginning at 10.00am. The only Agenda item will be the Working Group’s explanation of all of the changes and the rationale for them. Member federations can use the opportunity to air their views and make additional changes, if deemed pertinent.

El Salvador holds Ordinary General Assembly

The member federation of El Salvador continues its work to develop the sport of athletics in the country, Central America and NACAC.

On Saturday 27 March, the federation convened an Ordinary General Assembly.

The major highlight of Saturday’s Assembly was the historic participation of athletes, coaches, judges and members of the associations participate as assemblymen. This signified the progressive outlook of the federation in the current period.

The members in attendance received the comprehensive report on the activities of the organisation for the year, 2020. The leadership also presented the financial statements for the period.

Member clubs in attendance were pleased to receive the federation’s competition calendar for 2021.

The General Assembly approved the appointment of two (2) of its coaches who have achieved professional merit in athletics, as Permanent Honorary Members:

Rafael Antonio Santos, Olympic athlete in the Summer Olympics of Mexico 1968, coach and instructor of most current coaches, coach of hundreds of athletes with great results, athletic statistician and currently professor at the National University.

Napoleon Vides, with more than 40 years as a coach of outstanding athletes in World Championships and the Olympic Games, in addition to training athletes from children to higher categories.

NACAC joins the member federation of El Salvador and the entire athletics fraternity in congratulating the aforementioned coaches on their recognition.

NACAC also commends the national federation for the initiative of paying due recognition to outstanding, committed and long-serving coaches.

JOB OPPORTUNITY IN NACAC – Application extended to 30 April 2021

At the deadline set for receipt of applications for the position of NACAC Director of Coaches and Camps the Secretariat had been in receipt of only one application. In an effort to facilitate member federations that may yet have applicants in waiting NACAC has extended the deadline for submissions to 30 April 2021.

NACAC Director, Coaches and Camps – Job Description

The Director, Coaches and Camps will report directly to the CEO

Overview

The Director, Coaches and Camps will be the main point of contact for World Athletics and Member Federations regarding all programmes under the CECS, the organisation of Camps and related activities.

He/she will be responsible for ascertaining the region’s coaching development needs and organising the appropriate activities, as well as establishing and maintaining good communication links with all NACAC Member Federations and other appropriate organisations and individuals.

The Director, Coaches and Camps will be based in his/her home country but shall travel as required for the proper implementation of the planned activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Production of a quadrennial programme of activities designed to meet the needs of NACAC and its national federations.
• Contribute to the annual NACAC Business Plan, budget estimates and annual activity calendar in consultation with the Director of Competitions and TOECS activities and the CEO
• Ensuring the roll out of two (2) World Athletics key initiatives: Kids’ Athletics and eLearning.
• Contribute to the World Athletics Annual Completion Report (financial report) twice a year or as requested.
• Ensure Activity/Seminar report forms and CECS Course report forms are collected and submitted to World Athletics and NACAC.
• Ensure the World Athletics database is regularly updated with NACAC Area Development activity data and Member Federation CECS course results.
• Regular submissions to the NACAC Development Website.
• Providing help and assistance to Area MFs regarding their educational needs.
• Monitor and evaluate NACAC programmes under his/her mandate
• Liaise with the Treasurer on all financial transactions in relation to the World Athletics development grant.
• Assist the CEO in seeking additional funding and or partnerships for NACAC.

Skills and Experience

• Management and organisational experience in athletics
• Strong communication skills
• Good knowledge of financial management and fund-raising
• Knowledge of CECS and lecturers in the NACAC region

Languages and IT

• Proficient in both English and Spanish
• Strong computer skills

Educational Background

• University Degree or Higher Education, preferably in Physical Education and/or Sports Management.
• Teaching experience, preferably in areas such as coaching, officiating or sports Administration.

Remuneration

• Negotiable

Applications

• All applications must be sent to: The NACAC Secretariat Email address: [email protected]

URGENT REMINDER…URGENT REMINDER…URGENT REMINDER

NACAC is urgently reminding member federations to participate in the World Athletics World Plan consultation process, which started in late February and runs through to the end of April. We are encouraging you to respond to the Member Federation specific survey. It is your opportunity to have a major input into the decision-making process of your international federation, the world leader in sport.

The World Plan for Athletics 2022-2030 will be our major guide for the growth and development of Athletics. You must be a part of this exciting period in our sport.

The final approval of the Plan prepared after the consultations have taken place will be when you sit at the Congress and vote in November 2021.

The survey is available in English, Spanish and French and you only have to do it once for your member federation.

FINAL REMINDER – MF ANNUAL REPORT

NACAC is once more bringing to the attention of all of our members the challenge we have given ourselves as an Area Association

The Circular from World Athletics sent by email dated 18 January 2021, served notice of the requirement of submitting your MF 2020 Annual Report. Please note that the ultimate World Athletics deadline for submission of the 2020 Annual Report  as  31 March 2021.

We MUST do this!!!

Weekly Meetings

Monday 29 March

11.00am ECT – Meeting of NACAC leadership with International Relations and Development Department

6.15pm (Miami Time) – Meeting of the NACAC Gender Leadership Working Group

7.00pm (ECT) – Weekly meeting of the LOC, Carifta Games 2022

Wednesday 31 March

10.00am ECT – Weekly Meeting – Mike Sands, Michael Serralta and Keith Joseph

Thursday 1 April

7.00pm ECT – Meeting of the NACAC Governance Commission