New Delhi: The apex national sports body, Sports Authority of India has sent a letter to all foreign coaches working in the country to refrain from any media interactions without prior permission of the authority.
The letter signed by SAI’s Executive Director (TEAMS) Radhica Sreeman, dated March 7, warns them of being penalised in case of a violation. The coaches breaking the rule can be penalized ranging from salary cut to even immediate termination of the contract.
One of the controversial clauses reads: “In case the foreign coaches appointed with the NSFs choose to have interaction with the print/electronic media, it will be with the prior permission of the competent authority in the SAI. Any violation in this regard will result in imposition of penalty in the form of salary cut and even termination of the contract in extraordinary cases, resulting in the deportation of the coach and his/her family members at his/her own cost.”
Officials from Athletics Federation of India said, “Such competitions are the only time media can interact with coaches and as long as they stick to their brief, we don’t see any problems. It makes things tough for us also because we will have to write and get permission every time. We need to see the letter before commenting."
On the other hand, the foreign coaches are disappointed at what they see as an unfair blanket ban without clarity.
They have several questions like, “Who is a competent authority? Is it the DG? Or someone else? Should we personally seek permission every time or through the respective federations? There is no mention in the letter.
“Also we are all professionals. We agree we should not comment on the system or other things because that is not our domain. But the sport and its athletes are,” several coaches said.
The SAI has asked for coaches’ consent before incorporating these two clauses into the agreement. It’s been learnt that a majority haven’t signed it so far. At present, there are around 20-25 foreign experts contracted with the SAI.
SAI proposes bizarre media gag on foreign coaches
The Sports Authority of India has sent a letter to all foreign coaches working in India to refrain from any media interactions
New Delhi: The apex national sports body, Sports Authority of India has sent a letter to all foreign coaches working in the country to refrain from any media interactions without prior permission of the authority.
The letter signed by SAI’s Executive Director (TEAMS) Radhica Sreeman, dated March 7, warns them of being penalised in case of a violation. The coaches breaking the rule can be penalized ranging from salary cut to even immediate termination of the contract.
One of the controversial clauses reads: “In case the foreign coaches appointed with the NSFs choose to have interaction with the print/electronic media, it will be with the prior permission of the competent authority in the SAI. Any violation in this regard will result in imposition of penalty in the form of salary cut and even termination of the contract in extraordinary cases, resulting in the deportation of the coach and his/her family members at his/her own cost.”
Officials from Athletics Federation of India said, “Such competitions are the only time media can interact with coaches and as long as they stick to their brief, we don’t see any problems. It makes things tough for us also because we will have to write and get permission every time. We need to see the letter before commenting."
On the other hand, the foreign coaches are disappointed at what they see as an unfair blanket ban without clarity.
They have several questions like, “Who is a competent authority? Is it the DG? Or someone else? Should we personally seek permission every time or through the respective federations? There is no mention in the letter.
“Also we are all professionals. We agree we should not comment on the system or other things because that is not our domain. But the sport and its athletes are,” several coaches said.
The SAI has asked for coaches’ consent before incorporating these two clauses into the agreement. It’s been learnt that a majority haven’t signed it so far. At present, there are around 20-25 foreign experts contracted with the SAI.
New Delhi: Foreign coaches and foreign support-staff members employed with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) may have to take a salary cut, or in “extraordinary cases” face “deportation” along with family members, at their own cost, if found talking to the media without permission, according to a bizarre new decree.
Conclusion:
