State Sports Associations welcome SAG's Recent Initiatives to Streamline Coaching and Strengthen Accountability

State Sports Associations welcome SAG's Recent Initiatives to Streamline Coaching and Strengthen Accountability
 
Synopsis: Recent Initiatives by the Sports Authority of Goa to Streamline Coaching and Strengthen Accountability

The Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), under the leadership of the Hon’ble Sports Minister of Goa, Shri Govind Gaude, and Executive Director Dr. Geeta Nagvenkar, has initiated a series of significant steps aimed at improving the functioning of its Coaching Section. These efforts are intended to bring greater professionalism, accountability, and transparency in the system, while ensuring effective use of public funds and better outcomes for athletes. The key initiatives are as follows:

Surprise Inspections of Coaching Centres:
As per Memorandum dated 4th April 2025, Dr. Sandeep Warlikar, In-charge of the Coaching Section, has been assigned the responsibility to conduct surprise inspections at SAG’s Regular Coaching Centres across Goa. These inspections are to be conducted periodically, with reports submitted to the Executive Director, ensuring on-ground verification of coaching activities.

Stricter Leave Protocols for Coaches:
A subsequent Memorandum dated 9th April 2025 mandates that leave applications of coaches must be thoroughly assessed by the Director (Coaching), who must provide valid reasons and also confirm the availability of alternate arrangements to avoid disruption of regular training. Furthermore, in cases where coaches are spared for tournaments, attendance certificates from the concerned Associations are now mandatory, failing which the absence will be treated as unauthorised.

Initial Findings from Surprise Checks:
In the days following the above directives, initial surprise checks revealed that in a few training centres, trainee numbers ranged from 0 to less than 7. Explanations have been sought from the coaches concerned, highlighting the importance of regular engagement and attendance of trainees.

Release of Model Guidelines and Code of Ethics for Coaches:
SAG has released a comprehensive Code of Ethics and Guidelines for its coaches, covering aspects such as punctuality, work discipline, training registers, movement logs, reporting formats, and overall professional conduct. This is a significant step towards building a structured and disciplined coaching environment.

Need for a Robust Monitoring System:
While many coaches are working diligently, the presence of frequent complaints and dwindling trainee strength in certain disciplines has necessitated the creation of a more robust and transparent system. These measures aim to ensure optimal use of public funds and safeguard the interests of athletes.

Support from State Sports Associations:
Several State Sports Associations, including the Goa Badminton Association and the Goa Table Tennis Association, have welcomed and appreciated these reforms. They have also called for closer collaboration with SAG to conduct joint reviews, strengthen coaching infrastructure, and elevate Goa’s sporting standards to the national level.

Enclosed: Copies of SAG Memorandums
Copies of letters from Goa Badminton Association and Goa TT Association, welcoming the SAG reforms and initiatives

Yours sincerely
Sandeep Heble
Media coordinator for Goa TT Association and Goa Badminton Association

9326129171

 

Urgent Need for Revamp in the Coaching and Monitoring Section of SAG

 

From

Sandeep Heble
Former Secretary, Goa Badminton Association
Joint Secretary, Goa RTI Forum

Mob – 9326129171

Email – sandeepheble@gmail.com

 

 

To,

The Honourable Chief Minister of Goa and President (Ex-Officio), the Sports Authority of Goa

The Honourable Sports Minister of Goa and Vice President (Ex-Officio), the Sports Authority of Goa

The Secretary Sports, Government of Goa

The Executive Director, the Sports Authority of Goa

 

Subject: Urgent Need for Revamp in the Coaching and Monitoring Section of SAG

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

 

I write to you in my capacity as the former Secretary of the Goa Badminton Association and Joint Secretary of the Goa RTI Forum to bring to your attention the pressing need for a comprehensive revamp of the Coaching and Monitoring Section of the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), currently headed by Mr. Bruno Coutinho, Director Coaching.

 

The lack of a robust performance monitoring system within this department for long standing years has led to severe defects and inefficiencies and is significantly impacting the growth of sports in the state.

 

Key Flaws in the Existing System

No Supervisory Mechanism: There is no structured supervisory framework to monitor the performance and activities of coaches, leading to poor outcomes in many sports disciplines.

No Performance Audits: Coaches’ performance is not subjected to regular audits, leaving room for lack of accountability. There is no distinction being drawn between sincere hardworking coaches and the lethargic non-working coaches.  

No Reporting System: A transparent and systematic reporting mechanism to address issues and evaluate progress is completely absent. No surprise checks are being conducted.

No Training Methodology Updates: Upgradation of coaching skills and knowledge in line with modern training methodologies is missing and there is no mandatory mechanism to ensure that coaches bring their training in line with modern scientific training.

No Feedback Mechanism: Players, parents, and stakeholders do not have a platform to share feedback on coaching quality, which hampers quality control.

No Involvement of State Sports Associations: Local sports associations, which are crucial stakeholders, are not being consulted or involved in the coaching or coach monitoring process.

Non-Utilisation of Technology: Digital tools for attendance, performance tracking, and real-time monitoring are not being properly utilized to enhance efficiency.

No Grassroots Engagement: Coaches are not actively engaging with schools and communities to scout and nurture young talent.

No Clear Goals or KPIs: Coaches are not given clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or specific goals, resulting in vague expectations and unmeasured outcomes.

No Accountability for Mismanagement: Inefficiencies in the system are not addressed, and those responsible for lapses are not held accountable.

No Action on Lack of Trainees: Despite evident issues of underperformance, such as lack of trainees, no remedial measures have been taken.

 

Example of the Table Tennis Coaching Situation

The case of the SAG Table Tennis coach at Panaji, Mr. Amit Naik, serves as a glaring example of these systemic failures. Despite being transferred from Chicalim to Panaji for lack of performance, the situation has not improved. Currently, Mr. Naik has only 1-2 trainees under him at the Panaji center. In stark contrast, other centres such as Don Bosco Oratory in the same city have over 50 trainees flourishing under dedicated coaching.

 

This matter has been repeatedly brought to the notice of the Director of Coaching, Mr. Bruno Coutinho, but no corrective action has been taken.  Such negligence not only discourages sincere coaches but also demotivates talented players who lack proper guidance and end up leaving the sport.

 

Proposed Measures for Improvement

To address these issues, the following measures are proposed:

Establish a Supervisory Panel: Constitute a dedicated supervisory panel to oversee coaching activities and ensure accountability, with efficient administrative officers who can successfully implement reforms and measures.

Conduct Regular Performance Audits: Introduce quarterly performance evaluations for all coaches along with meetings with Association representatives.

Implement a Transparent Reporting System: Create a mechanism for players, parents, and associations to report issues and provide feedback.

Upgrade Coaches’ Training: Organize mandatory training programs to update coaches on modern techniques and methodologies.

Involve State Sports Associations: Actively engage local associations in the monitoring, and evaluation of coaches.

Adopt Technology: Utilize digital tools for tracking attendance, monitoring performance, and evaluating progress.

Engage in Grassroots Development: Assign coaches specific responsibilities for grassroots outreach and talent scouting. Depute coaches to the Associations which are willing to carry out such grassroots programmes.

Set Clear KPIs: Define measurable goals and KPIs for each coach to ensure accountability.

Recognize and Reward Excellence: Establish a reward system for high-performing coaches to motivate others, grading the coaches as per the Sports discipline.

Enforce Accountability: Take strict action against underperforming coaches and ensure transparency in the handling of such cases.

 

In conclusion, the SAG’s Coaching and Monitoring Section needs urgent restructuring to promote accountability, encourage sincere coaches, and foster a conducive environment for sporting excellence.

 

If Goa needs to establish itself as a top sporting hub, the current state of affairs within the SAG's Coaching and Monitoring Section requires immediate and urgent attention. A proper brainstorming and overhaul of the whole system is the need of the hour. 

 

I urge you to take immediate steps to address these concerns and streamline the system for the betterment of sports in Goa.

 

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I remain available for any further discussion or assistance in implementing these reforms.

Enclosed: Photograph of Amit Naik, SAG Table Tennis coach at Campal, with only one trainee in attendance.

 

Yours sincerely,

Sandeep Heble
Former Secretary, Goa Badminton Association

Joint Secretary, Goa RTI Forum