Coach hoping for improved officiating following difficult Carifta

Despite continuing their dominance at this year's Carifta Games, Jamaica coach Dave Anderson is hoping there will be changes regarding the organisation of the games.

The team returned yesterday after their 78-medal haul in the Bahamas (40 gold, 22 silver and 16 bronze) and securing another regional victory. But they had to deal with inconsistent officiating. This was highlighted by the confusion surrounding the under-20 boys 4x100 metres. The race was originally scheduled for a re-run after a protest was lodged but the withdrawal of Jamaica who won the event as well as the other countries led to the results being confirmed. Additionally, Jamaica's Shaquane Gordon who got third in the under-20 boys 110m hurdles final was disqualified hours after the final race was run on Monday.

Anderson says there needs to be improvements regarding the officiating for future editions

"Without a doubt, there need to be big changes. We are seeing incompetence on the part of the organisers. I have been to four other Carifta Games and this has been possibly the worst in terms of administration and officiating," Anderson told STAR Sports. "I think going forward this can't continue. Scheduling is also one of the big issues. There were times when the schedule was off and it wasn't thought through thoroughly. But definitely going forward some changes need to be made."

The sentiment was echoed by Austin Sealy award winner Roshawn Clarke who was not pleased with some of the officiating decisions at the meet.

"They just need to treat the teams equally. Don't favour anybody, just treat everybody equally and you will have a great Carifta Games," Clarke said.

Jamaica also struggled with injuries in their camp, most notably to team captain Bouwahjgie Nkrumie, a blow which Anderson said inspired the team to deliver strong performances for their teammate.

"I think the athletes took it in a positive way to keep fighting for him and to give their best," Anderson said.

With the rigours of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships showing Anderson said it was a combined effort to get their levels up to give their best

"We had to be more like psychologists than coaches, asking them to continue, saying 'you are here for a reason' and they understood that," Anderson said. "Some of them went out there and did their best but definitely, I think the break was a bit short this time around although Carifta is normally held during the Easter break."