KINGSTON, Jamaica — National coach David Riley has been returned unopposed as president of the Jamaica Track and Field Coaches Association (JATAFCA), with plans to renew coaches’ licences, expand certification courses and improve working conditions among the priorities for his new term.

Riley was re-elected at the association’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday, October 10, which was held virtually to accommodate members in Jamaica and overseas.

He and his executive will serve another term following the election.

In outlining his plans, Riley said the association would focus on managing the first round of coaching licence renewals, taking certification courses across the island and advocating better conditions for coaches to ensure Jamaica retains its coaching expertise.

“I thank our members for their confidence. In the new term we will manage the first licence renewals, take certification courses across the island and press for better conditions for coaches, so that we keep our expertise at home,” Riley said.

The head coach of Excelsior High School, also acknowledged the continued support of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) in the development and recognition of coaches.

Riley’s re-election comes after what he described as significant progress by the association over the past three years, including the introduction of mandatory coaching licences and the delivery of internationally recognised certification programmes.

Since January 1, 2025, a licence has been required to coach track and field in Jamaica, with the credential issued jointly by JATAFCA and the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA).

The association also delivered World Athletics Level 2 certification in Kingston, resulting in 64 coaches being certified across four courses. The programmes were the first level two courses held in Jamaica since 2005.

Meanwhile, National Coaches Day, proclaimed in 2022, continues to recognise coaches for their contribution to the sport. The annual observance includes awards for long and distinguished service, with 20 coaches scheduled to be honoured on November 21 this year.

Riley, who was recently appointed to the World Athletics Coaches Commission, is scheduled to attend the commission’s meeting in Monaco from October 23 to 27.

The association’s next World Athletics Level 1 assessment is scheduled for October 21, while level two courses in sprints and hurdles, and jumps, are planned for December 26 to 31.

Other officers elected to serve alongside Riley are Megan Wilson-Copeland as first vice-president, Damion Reid as second vice-president, Michael Vassell as general secretary, Wayne Long as public relations officer and Duwayne Campbell as coaches education officer.

The regional representatives are Corville Senior for the East, Grace Bourah for the Corporate Area, Dwight Jones for Manchester and Clarendon Central, Marvin James for St Elizabeth and Westmoreland, and Michael McIntosh for the Western Region.

JATAFCA is the internationally recognised representative body for track and field coaches across Jamaica’s primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, clubs and elite programmes. The association is affiliated with the JAAA and endorsed by World Athletics.

— Howard Walker