PANAJI
In a major step to bring accountability and fairness to the state’s sporting ecosystem, the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) has issued detailed guidelines for the selection of state teams, coaching camps, and disbursal of allowances. These new rules are aimed at eliminating malpractices that have long hindered opportunities for local athletes.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Geeta Nagvekar, SAG is addressing issues ranging from importing players from other states to non-transparent selection trials, improper camp management, and irregular disbursement of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Travelling Allowance (TA).
“The selected team should comprise of players who have had regular attendance at the camp, have represented the state at least once, participated in the State Championship or tournaments held in Goa, or have performed exceedingly well at the camp,” stated SAG in its directive.
Guidelines for Selection Trials
Selection trials must be announced at least seven days in advance in local newspapers.
Trials cannot be held on public holidays, and associations cannot directly depute players for national/international events without proper trials.
Each state team must be chosen by a five-member committee comprising representatives from, the concerned State Sports Association, Sports Authority of Goa, Goa Olympic Association and the coach for the respective discipline.
Associations must also follow selection norms set by their national federations and ensure the team is announced one to two days before departure for zonal or national championships.
SAG emphasizes that selection should be performance-based, discouraging favoritism towards seniority. The fitness and standard of the team must be certified by the committee, and a detailed report of the selection process must be submitted to SAG.
Coaching Camps Protocol
Associations must inform SAG at least three weeks in advance about the camp schedule, including, dates, timings, and venue, number of players, as per SAG’s limit for each sport.
Selection trial schedule
SAG clarified that associations are responsible for all equipment and logistics during the camp. Coaching staff must be appointed from SAG or DSYA, and if not available, prior written approval must be obtained. Last-minute coach requests will not be entertained.
Camps must
Be a minimum of 10 days and maximum of 21 days, include at least 3 hours (single session) or 4 hours (double session) of daily training, maintain proper attendance, signed daily by players and countersigned by the coach and association secretary. Attendance must be submitted to SAG using an Acquaintance Roll on the final day for allowance sanction. Markings such as “P” or “A” will be rejected.
Residential Camp Conditions
For residential camps, associations must notify SAG at least one month in advance and consult on coach appointments. Residential camps will be approved only for National Games and must also span 10 to 21 days. SAG will assist with food planning but expects complete details of participating players in the official SAG proforma.
With these comprehensive guidelines, SAG hopes to ensure that only deserving and committed athletes represent Goa, putting an end to selection manipulation and restoring faith in the sporting system.
