FOLLOW GUIDELINES OR LOSE CHANCE FOR DISTRICT TRIALS: DR SURYAWANSHI

By Paritosh Pramanik :

AFTER several athletes flouted guidelines put up by the district athletics association as well as the physical education department of R a s h t r a s a n t Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Dr Sharad S u r y a w a n s h i , Secretary, Nagpur District Athletics Association, who is also the Director of R T MNU Department of Physical Education and Sports asked all coaches and athletes to follow the rules strictly or face strict action. Dr Suryawanshi took cognisance of the report published in ‘The Hitavada’ with pictures of athletes training at the Reshimbagh ground a couple of days back.

He asked coaches to strictly maintain social distancing which was not visible during the training. Athletes as well as coaches were seen flouting guidelines put up by the civic authorities. NDAA held a meeting and issued several guidelines for athletes and coaches. “We had opened University track for athletes but had to close it down after two days as social distancing norms and other guidelines were not followed. We will reopen the ground from Monday and have asked all the coaches and athletes to follow the rules,” said Dr Suryawanshi while talking to ‘The Hitavada’. “Those (college students) not following rules will be denied entry into the ground. At university ground, we have issued cards to athletes and coaches. If the rules are not followed we will cancel their entry cards,” warned Dr Suryawanshi. “Violators of rules training at different venues like Reshimbagh will not be allowed to attend trials for the inter-district competitions,” Dr Suryawanshi informed. “Strict orders are given to the guard at the gate when we reopen the university ground from Monday,” added Dr Suryawanshi. “

Not only players, even coaches, if found guilty for not adhering to the guidelines, will be taken to task,” said Dr Suryawanshi. Not only at RTM Nagpur Univeristy’s ground, athletes will have to follow guidelines at Reshimbagh ground as well and at all other places. “Athletes will have to follow the rules where ever they train. Even coaches will have to keep a tab on each and every player whether he/she is following the rules or not,” added Dr Suryawanshi. “We have asked athletes to jog on even numbered lanes (2, 4, 6, 8) and always maintain distance.

Even while warming up this has to be followed,” Dr Suryawanshi further said. “Most of our athletes come from lower-middle class and reside in congested areas. It is important to guide them the benefits of social distancing and maintaining hygiene. Coaches will have to teach this to the athletes,” he concluded.

GUIDELINES FOR ATHLETES, COACHES

■ Athletes, coaches should wear facemasks all the time

■ All athletes, coaches should carry hand sanitisers and use them frequently

■ Only 20 athletes permitted (in a group of not more than five) on a 4 00-m track at any given time

■ All athletes, coaches will have to maintain physical distancing

■ Athletes should jog, run on even numbered lanes (2, 4, 6, 8) of the track

■ Athletes are not allowed to warm-up and cool down in group

■ Athletes must bring their own mat for stretching exercises

■ Every athlete will have to carry a kit bag. Nakpins used to wipe sweat, changers, shoes should be kept in the bag immediately after the practice

■ Every athlete, coach must carry his/her own water bottle. Sharing of water bottles not permitted

■ Shoes, socks changers, tracksuit to be washed daily

■ Equipment should be sanitised by the athlete before and after training

■ Athletes, coaches suffering with cough, cold, fever should stay at home

■ Proper distance (at least 5 metres) should be maintain by coaches while giving instructions to athletes ■ Handshakes, high-fives, hugs strictly not permissible

■ Parents not allowed near the training area