PSC to put national team players, coaches under contract

THE PHILIPPINE Sports Commission will forge a contract with athletes and coaches to ensure maximum performance from the national team.

PSC Chair William Ramirez yesterday said the formal agreement would oblige them to report regularly for practice and focus more on winning medals abroad.

“We won’t give them allowances if they don’t want to sign (the contract),” said Ramirez.

The PSC will announce the plan to put the members of the national squad under contract during its meeting with the 53 national sports associations on Sept. 20 at Century Park Hotel.

Ramirez said Marc Velasco, the national training director of the Philippine Sports Institute, would strictly monitor the progress of the athletes and commitment of the coaches on training and competition.

“They have to perform as part of the requirement,” said Ramirez. “If not, our national training director can recommend their expulsion from the national team.”

Velasco, the former head of the Philippine Center for Sports Medicine’s strength and conditioning unit, was tapped as training director for his success in helping Hong Kong’s national team in the Olympics.

Hong Kong’s Sarah Lee pocketed a bronze medal in women’s keirin, a form of motor-paced cycle racing, during the 2012 London Olympics through the strength and conditioning expertise of Velasco.
Ramirez said coaches are allowed to take part-time jobs outside of their obligations as long as they prioritize the national team.