Enhancing Sportsmanship and skills through capacity building in USSSA

By Emmanuel Sekago

In recent years, the Uganda Secondary School Sports Association (USSSA) has faced challenges with poor officiating during national games and qualifiers, often leading to confrontations between students and match officials.

This not only tarnished the image of USSSA but also raised concerns about sportsmanship and discipline among young athletes.

However, recognizing the need for change, USSSA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports (PES), embarked on a transformative journey to address these issues.

In 2023, USSSA introduced a groundbreaking initiative focusing on Capacity Building, aimed at equipping teachers and students with the necessary skills and credentials in sports coaching, refereeing/umpiring, and journalism across various sporting disciplines.

This initiative is a significant step forward, not only in improving the quality of officiating but also in nurturing a holistic sports ecosystem within schools.

To understand the success of this initiative, it is essential to consider the five key elements that underpin effective capacity building;

Commit for the Long Term: USSSA’s commitment to this initiative goes beyond a short-term fix.

By investing in long-term strategies, the association aims to create a sustainable and self-sufficient sports environment, Co-create Solutions with Stakeholders:

Collaboration with various stakeholders, including schools, sports bodies, and the Ministry of Education and Sports, ensures that the solutions are tailored to the needs of the students and the broader sports community, Strengthen the Ecosystem:

By focusing on building a robust sports ecosystem, USSSA aims to provide comprehensive support to students, coaches, referees, and other sports professionals.

This holistic approach helps in addressing the root causes of issues like poor officiating and misconduct, Support Both Technical and Adaptive Capacities:

The initiative not only provides technical training in sports coaching and officiating but also focuses on adaptive skills such as leadership, communication, and ethical conduct.

This dual focus ensures that participants are well-rounded and capable of adapting to various situations and Ground Capacity Building in Equity:

Ensuring that all students, regardless of their background or school, have access to these opportunities is crucial. This inclusive approach helps in fostering a sense of fairness and equality within the sports community.

USSSA’s capacity-building initiative is proving to be a proven nursery for nurturing talented young sportsmen and women in secondary schools.

The association has set ambitious targets, with the Capacity Building Director, Patrick Okanya, stating a goal of reaching 30,000 participants by the end of 2024.

This initiative not only aims to improve the quality of sports officiating but also seeks to uplift the standards of coaching, media involvement, and administrative roles within school sports.

Students who have benefited from the program have expressed positive feedback.

Many have noted improvements in their understanding of the game, better conduct during matches, and a newfound appreciation for the roles of referees and coaches.

This initiative has not only improved the technical skills of young athletes but also instilled a sense of professionalism and respect for the game.

One student, a beneficiary of the capacity-building program, shared, “This program has taught me the importance of discipline and respect in sports. It’s not just about winning; it’s about how you play the game and respect the officials and your opponents.”

Another student emphasized the newfound skills gained, stating, “I’ve learned so much about officiating, and it’s given me a new perspective on the game. I now understand the challenges referees face and how important their role is in ensuring fair play.”

In conclusion, the USSSA’s Capacity Building initiative is a commendable effort to uplift the standards of sportsmanship, technical skills, and overall sports administration within Ugandan secondary schools.

By focusing on long-term commitment, collaboration, and inclusivity, USSSA is setting a high bar for the future of school sports in Uganda.

The initiative’s impact on students, coaches, and the broader sports community is a testament to its success and potential to transform the landscape of school sports in the country.