Get off your butts! (02/02/1996 - The Malay Mail)

Publication : MM
Date : 02/02/1996
Headline : Get off your butts!


THE Rakan Sukan (partner-in-sport) programme launched two years ago was a
noble move by the Sports Ministry to raise the standard of sports in the
country.
The sponsorship from the corporate sector has generally helped develop
and enhance excellence in sports but many associations have become
dependent on the funds and hardly do anything on their own to raise money.
Of the 27 sports identified for the programme, 21 found corporate help
while a few more have got into hitches.
The irresponsible associations have also found ready excuses for bad
performances and administration problems in the sponsors, claiming the
late release of the funds were the reasons for their woes.
These associations must be reminded that not so long ago they were
functioning without any assistance from corporate sponsors and some even
did well!
They should take a hard look at the Squash Rackets Association of
Malaysia (SRAM) who, as if to prove a point, have attained so much
success, especially among their young talent, without much assistance.
(SRAM don't have a coporate sponsor but should be getting one soon).
Their well organised development programme, professional administration
and effort to raise funds on their own have all made the country proud.
The Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) are another good example of
an association who have done it on their own.
Whatever funds available from sponsors should serve as a bonus to
facilitate existing programmes - not a chance to sit back and relax.
It is common to hear associations saying they cannot organise their
national meets because the funds are late or are not forthcoming. Some
even want to sue their sponsors!
Of course sponsors should keep their end of the bargain but how can they
be blamed for withholding funds when the associations don't have their
house in order.
What sponsor wants to linked with associations known more their
bickering and politicking than sports achievement?
Soccer is a classic example.
State FAs are given RM500,000 annually by the FA of Malaysia for the
development of the game but often the States use the money to run their M-
League teams.
And it is no surprise the State FAs are in debt and eagerly await the
FAM grant to settle the previous year's debts, including the salaries of
players and coaches.
Until and unless associations learn to be self-reliant, disciplined and
professional in administration, Malaysian sports is going to find a
difficult path to reach great heights.
Sports is no longer a matter of love and honour.
This is the professional era and just about everything is measured in
terms of ringgit and sen.
And when the equation between results and money spent does not balance,
there will be questions to be answered.
And often it boils down to unprofessional administration and spoilt
sportsmen and sportswomen.
Rewarding mediocrity is a one of biggest sins of Malaysian sports.
With the KL Commonwealth Games just around the corner, it is high time
for sports associations to buck up and strive for excellence in a
professional manner.