HIRING OF FOREIGN COACHES

HIRING OF FOREIGN COACHES

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(Governance): **

33.

Ms Joscelin Yeo asked the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (a) whether his Ministry plays a part in governing the hiring process of foreign coaches at the national sporting level; (b) if so, what processes are in place to safeguard such coaches from being dismissed by national sports associations shortly after arrival and athletes from being affected by their new coach's dismissal; and (c) if not, what are the considerations for not stepping in to govern this process.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: The National Sports Associations (NSAs) are independent people sector organisations. They are governed by their respective constitutions and managed by properly constituted management committees. The selection and hiring of coaches for national athletes are the responsibility of NSAs, based on their human resource policy and the internal processes. Therefore, my Ministry is not involved in the selection and hiring of coaches by NSAs, irrespective of their nationality.

However, the Singapore Sports Council provides NSAs with two Best Practice Guides – the NSA Human Resource guidelines and the Coaching Programmes Handbook, to facilitate the recruitment process. In instances where NSAs request for advice, SSC will provide the necessary guidance throughout the hiring process. In addition, for key NSA staff positions that are directly funded by SSC, such as technical directors and head coaches, a SSC management staff member will sit on the evaluation panel to assist the NSAs.

The relationship between NSAs and their coaches is no different from any other employer / employee relationship. The specific terms of employment and dismissal are laid out in the employment contracts, which need to comply with general employment laws in Singapore. A coach who feels he or she has been unfairly treated can seek clarification from the respective management of the NSAs or turn to external mechanisms including the Alternative Dispute Resolution for Sports for mediation and arbitration.

In the event that a coach is dismissed before his or her contract has expired, it is the responsibility of the NSA to ensure that the athletes' training does not get disrupted. SSC will work with the NSA to hire a new coach, or find a part-time replacement coach in the interim, to ensure the continuity of the athletes' training and competition schedule.

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