Gayle upbeat after COVID protocol sessions

Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) President Garth Gayle says that he is encouraged by the level of response to the online training sessions for COVID-19 Protocol Marshall, which will be instrumental to the return of athletics in 2021.

Gayle was speaking as the final session of the Return to Sport online training course concluded yesterday. In keeping with the federation's protocols for the restart of track and field in the island, a mandated COVID-19 Protocol Marshall will be required for all meets to ensure that teams comply with the approved measures. Two previous sessions took place on January 5 and 12 and, according to Gayle, yesterday's final session had close to 300 participants, which included members of other sporting associations.

He is optimistic that the courses will facilitate a safe return for the sport.

Will go a long way

"I'm very happy that our coaches and schools and clubs are sending representatives in this afternoon's [yesterday's workshop]. I believe this will go a long way in ensuring a smooth, safe return to track and field competitions here in Jamaica," Gayle told STAR Sports.

Each team will be required to have a protocol marshal in order to enter a meet and must have attended any of the three online sessions to be in compliance with the new protocols

While last month's Tyser Mills Classic represented a return to high school track meets after months of inactivity caused by the pandemic, some meets that were scheduled for this month were postponed because they were not granted a permit by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.