Peter Njoku, Secretary, Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria (KBFN), has said that only technical officials duly certified by the body would henceforth be permitted to be part of its activities.
Njoku told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos State that it was part of the resolutions at the federation’s board meeting held in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday.
“As part of measures to improve and bring to bear on the standard of Kickboxing in Nigeria, the board met and resolved to permit only coaches it certified to take charge of the training of state or club teams.
“The same is also applicable to referees, as KBFN graded/certified referees shall be invited to officiate in its organised national championships such as the National Sports Festival, National Youth Games and National Championships,” he said.
He said that a strongly worded letter shall be sent to affiliated states and clubs to desist from hiring the services of coaches that were not recognised and endorsed by the federation.
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According to him, the idea is to curb coaches that either did not participate or failed the KBFN organised courses from passing substandard training to athletes which will affect their performances in competitions.
“We are going to create awareness of this development across the country because we want a synergy for all our affiliated associations and clubs, both in coaching and officiating.
“Kickboxing is guided by universal rules, and there is need for technical officials to be acquainted and updated with development to enable them supervise athletes accordingly as required,” Njoku added.
The secretary urged its affiliates to conform to the latest directives, adding that it was would go a long way to add value to athletes career and competition goals. (NAN)