[Kingston, Jamaica – April 16th, 2024]
Thirteen Track and Field Coaches recently completed the World Athletics Coaches Education Certification System (CECS) Level 1 Program and received their certificates under the new CECS model. Under the new system, the candidates complete an online course managed by World Athletics and must also complete a practical assessment. The Assessment is carried out by preselected Assessors under the JATAFCA/JAAA partnership. The Jamaica Track & Field Coaches Association manages the Coaches Education component on behalf of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA). “This is a new arrangement between the JAAA and the Coaches Association in working together to get all our coaches certified”, said Garth Gayle, JAAA President, at the recently conducted assessment. “We will soon require, as does World Athletics, for all coaches to complete the Safe Guarding Module of this course in order to be recognized as a Track and Field coach in Jamaica.”

Among the candidates recently certified includes former athletes Andre Wellington (coaches at Kingston College) and Ricardo Cunningham (coaches at Munro College). The cohort also included successful coaches in Ransford Spaulding (John Mills All Age), Jeffrey Ellis (Herbert Morrison) and James Hill (Iris Gelley Primary). Rosalee Wedderburn (Emann Prep) was the only female which the JAAA President remarked that the JAAA wants more female coaches in the system. Also on hand was David Riley the President of the Jamaica Track and Field Coaches Association, who challenged the coaches that the journey had just begun and encouraged them to collaborate and to share ideas as they grow and learn together. He also welcomed them as members of the Coaches Association and charged them to play their part in upholding a high standard in coaching, and to advance Jamaica’s performance at the regional and global stage.

The other candidates who received the certification included Itego Campbell (St Thomas Tech), Andre Barnaby (Kingston College), Noel Wedderburn (John Rollins Success Primary), Orane Smith (Mt St. Josephs Catholic), Dwayne Pinnock, DuWayne Webb (Elite), and Chad Edwards.

There are 2 other assessments (July and November) planned for the remainder of the year.

The World Athletics Coaches Education Certification System has 3 levels. Level 1 is for Youth Coach (U16), Level 2 for Junior Coach (U20) and Level 3 for Senior Coach (20+).