PSC chief wants national athletes, coaches to sign contracts

National athletes and their coaches will be more secure once the Philippine Sports Commission puts them under contract.

As such, PSC chair Butch Ramirez said they won’t be eased out easily even if their respective national sports associations decide to let them go.

“We want the athletes and coaches to sign a contract with the PSC. That way, the NSAs cannot just remove the athletes without justifying the dismissal,” said Ramirez.

The NSAs have complete control over the athletes while the PSC funds their training and international exposure.

But Ramirez believes the PSC should exercise supervisory and visitorial powers over the associations it has been supporting financially.

In fact, the PSC has already set up a grievance committee for athletes and coaches who have been dismissed by their NSAs without due process.

While the contract binds the athletes and coaches to the government agency, Ramirez said the NSAs would still take care of their training and preparation for tournaments overseas.

“We shouldn’t be held liable for the performance of the athletes in the national team because it’s the job of the NSAs to groom them to win medals,” said Ramirez.