School Sports Leaders Attend Ethics and Due Process Workshop

Leaders from across Belize gathered at St. Catherine Academy in Belize City for the start of a two-day workshop focused on due process, ethics, and documentation in secondary school athletics. The training, which continues tomorrow, brings together executive members of the  National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA), members of the National Secondary School Sports Ethics Committee (NSSSEC), and executives of the Belize Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (BAPSS). Organized by BAPSS, the workshop seeks to promote transparency, consistency, and professionalism in the administration of student athletics throughout the country. Secondary school sports is an annual program that brings together high school athletes from across Belize to compete in a variety of disciplines. The competitions encourage teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, and healthy competition while giving students the opportunity to represent their schools and regions at the national level. To support these goals, workshop facilitator Dr. Christopher Malcolm, Principal of the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica, is sharing his expertise in law, ethics, and dispute resolution. His presentations focus on helping sports administrators effectively manage challenges, resolve disputes, and maintain proper procedures. Chairperson of BAPSS, Ms. Jeaneane Neal, spoke about the importance of the training and what participants are expected to gain from the experience.

President of the NSSSA, Francis Pascual, highlighted the importance of accurate record-keeping and documentation, while addressing some of the common challenges schools face in managing athletic programs.

Organizers hope the knowledge gained during the workshop will strengthen athletic programs across Belize and help ensure that students, coaches, and administrators are treated fairly when disputes or challenges arise.