Pakistan Sports Board prioritizing etiquette over economics

The Pakistan Sports Board's (PSB) priorities have raised eyebrows. While athletes struggle to make ends meet, the PSB is more concerned with polishing their public image.

It's all about optics, it seems.

The board's latest strictures on social media usage and athlete conduct during international tours have left many wondering: where's the financial support to match the fancy etiquette lessons?

The development comes after PSB issued SOPs for players and team officials for their international tours and have asked for strict adherence to these rules. The PSB have shared these SOPs with national sports federations during its recent correspondence.

“Athletes and officials are the ambassadors of Pakistan. Therefore, they must put every effort to earn respect and win laurels for the country and abstain from doing any activity which may tarnish the dignity and prestige of the country. They must respect the law of the land,” the preamble of the SOPs says.

SOPs

The managers and coaches shall ensure that all the athletes and officials are in the possession of valid passports, air-tickets, accreditation cards, government NOC and vaccine certificates (if required).

Every individual is allowed to carry the luggage weight as specified by the air-line on tickets. The managers, coaches and athletes going abroad shall assemble at the designated place as per directions of the national federation. Officials will be responsible for timely readiness of their players and they should make sure that they all carry legal permissible items with them within admissible weights and sizes.

All team leaders and managers are bound to ensure knowledge of the whereabouts of their respective team personnel at all times.

The officials make sure that their athletes may not take any medicines which are included in the banned substances. All team officials will ensure that each player of their teams is educated on the international doping rules and are prepared to undergo doping test any time before, during and after the event.

Team officials and athletes must be aware of the rules and regulations of the games. The officials will be responsible to inform their athletes about their competition schedule. They will accompany with them during training and competitions and make arrangements of all the required documentation or attendance as required by organizers of the games.

The officials will strictly guide their respective athletes to abide by their timings of travelling to training and competition arenas. Any disorder in the matter shall be the responsibility of officials.

Political discussions and use of social media discouraged

The officials will maintain the discipline of their athletes while participating in the competitions or during the training. They should also make sure that they may not raise any slogan or show any gesture which irritates the audience or spectators.

No political or immoral discussion is allowed during the visit. Avoid discussions with foreigners on politics, religious, racism and other national issues.

Leaving the games village and venue without permission of the chef-de-mission and manager and spending night outside the village, area of stay is strictly forbidden. They must also keep the living area neat and clean all the time especially before leaving the room.

Pakistan contingent at the Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony. AFP

The team officials and coaches will keep liaison with the organizers of the games and will share the information with their athletes. The use of alcoholic beverages is strictly banned. Any complaint received in the matter will be subjected to strict disciplinary action. The team officials will be responsible to monitor all activities of their athletes during visit.

The officials should maintain liaison with security staff of the host country and after adequate security clearance move to any requisite place.

The officials shall take care of the rest, sleep and balance diet of athletes for their best performance.

The athletes should avoid use of social media (Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp etc). The athletes and officials will not make either press, media statement and appearance without permission of chef-de-mission/manager.

Respecting the flag and dress code

All team members must give respect to Pakistani flag and shall ensure that no flag/bunting is lying on the ground.

Contingent member will submit their boarding passes to the PSB for reference and record on their return.

The team officials and athletes must wear the Pakistan color during travel, while in the opening ceremony the contingent members shall wear Shalwar Qameez, waistcoat and black shoes. Green blazer, white dress shirt, neck tie with fawn trouser will be used in closing ceremonies and other functions.

They should also wear the trouser and green shirt while going to dining halls and follow the etiquettes of the dinning.

These new guidelines make it clear that it's time for the PSB to rethink its priorities. Rather than policing athletes' social posts and smiles, the board should focus on securing their financial futures. A comprehensive support system, including stipends, scholarships, and training grants, would unlock athletes' potential and propel Pakistan's sports scene forward. Financial stability breeds confidence, allowing athletes to concentrate on their game, not their next paycheck. By investing in athletes' economic well-being, the PSB can reap a rich dividend of medals, records, and national pride.