When the mighty fall, they fall hard especially where vested interests are intent on furthering their own ends, whatever the consequences for others in a country, organisation or community. Culture does not just happen. It has to evolve. It’s an ongoing process. There is an apathetic attitude towards sport, its welfare and best interest. It’s an aspect of the cultural dimensions inherent in T&T society that is proving detrimental to the future of local sport. Even though some NSOs are better placed than others there is an overall feeling of doom and gloom. Money flow has dried up as the full consequences of fiscal policy take hold in the local economy.
What should national sporting organisations (NSOs) and their stakeholders do to alleviate the risks and negative consequences? A first step is a change to the laid back, laissez faire attitude to success. If sport matters then doing nothing is not an option. There can be no retreat. Success - creating the environment, pathways, infrastructure and systems- demands energy and focus dissipating energy on useless activities will only compromise the future of local sport. When success is not that important it encourages a mindset that builds traits such as laziness, procrastination, a lack of urgency, sloth, irresponsibility, a tendency to blame others, entitlement, and the expectation that it is up to others to solve problems. It is vital that NSOs, in particular, their member clubs, come to a firm decision and set their own priorities, commit to a solution and a commitment to success. Be very wary of those who say take it easy, relax, it will sort itself out be content with what you have, eat little and live long.
There is no easy way out. It will take hard work. It must matter—sports—that is, from the grassroots level to the elite level. There are many little habits and activities that don’t contribute to success that ought to be jettisoned. If success is a priority, then most of the available time should be spent doing things that will create success. The ongoing worry that clubs and NSOs endure of not having enough money to pay bills or to provide for their teams and athletes lead to doubt about the future. There is no remedy in condemnation. However, it’s a voyage of discovery for those who wish to expand their horizons and put to bed self-defeating behaviours. Effort, vision, determination and an indomitable will are worth far more than money. Sport is never going to be an investment for someone who is not passionate about sport. Those individuals and companies that donate to sport don’t look to sport for a monetary return they grasp the reality that sport brings with it intangibles that must be added to the equation to get value.
To begin with anyone who wants to make an investment will want to have total control, return on investment and growth in capital. There are some NSOs and clubs that may be in a better position than those consider minor sports. Resting on your laurels is a luxury that no one in local sport can afford. “Me first” thinking that has no regard for the whole will put local sport in peril. The wellbeing of all of sport should be of utmost importance to each individual stakeholder. There is a myth making the rounds and it is that there are major sports and even a national sport here in T&T. It may be more realistic to say there are niche sports and some have a bigger niche than others. No one or group in local sport is out of harm’s way. Change that matters has to start with change in the mindset, attitude and behaviours.The welfare and future of sport is about setting standards, even in little things. Getting little things right helps you get the big things right then comes the culture shift.
-Brian Lewis
Source: www.guardian.co.tt