By Samuel Peters
The Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association (ABAA) has come under intense scrutiny for failing to register four athletes for the World Under 20 Championship in Peru. In a shocking display of administrative negligence, the association missed not just one, but two registration deadlines, including an extension granted by tournament organizers.
This oversight could have severe repercussions for the affected athletes, including:
- Infringement on their rights
- Potential negative impact on future athletic careers
- Loss of valuable educational opportunities, such as scholarships to American universities
Dr. Emir Crowne, a renowned sports lawyer, addressed the issue on the Good Morning JoJo Sports Show. He suggested that the athletes might have grounds for legal action, stating, “The failure to do that is negligence.” Dr. Crowne indicated that affected athletes could pursue damages through various legal avenues:
- Negligence claim
- Breach of fiduciary obligations
- Breach of contract
The ABAA’s handling of the situation has raised further concerns about accountability in sports administration. Reports suggest a troubling lack of transparency and decisiveness:
- A meeting was held to discuss the issue, but its legitimacy is questionable due to the absence of recorded minutes
- The association’s president reportedly asked if he should resign but received no affirmative response
- A statement was issued promising elections in 90 days, but this decision is now being disputed
Dr. Crowne didn’t mince words in his criticism of the administration’s response: “It is absolutely disgraceful… You should not need someone to tell you to resign. You should, if you had any mirrors in your home in which to stare at yourself, you should resign voluntarily.”
In light of these issues, Dr. Crowne proposes the establishment of a regional sports tribunal under the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). He argues that such a body could effectively handle:
- Disciplinary matters
- Doping cases (as a first instance tribunal)
- Other sports-related disputes
The proposed tribunal would comprise senior lawyers and arbitrators from within and outside the region, capable of rendering quick decisions within seven days.
Dr. Emir Crowne brings significant expertise to this discussion:
- Appointed to the pro bono panel of Sport Resolutions UK
- WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) arbitrator, one of only three in the region
- Member of Sport Resolution’s international panel for non-UK disputes for six years
- Named one of the world’s leading sports lawyers for three consecutive years by Who’s Who Lawyers
The recent registration failures by the ABAA highlight the urgent need for improved governance and accountability in Caribbean sports administration. The proposal for a CARICOM-administered regional sports tribunal presents a potential solution to address these issues and protect the rights and futures of Caribbean athletes. As the situation unfolds, it’s clear that significant changes are needed to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and to maintain the integrity of sports administration in the region.
