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Why is the IHF scared of contracts?

Gill's Will

In my opinion, the IHF's reluctance to put pen to paper and sign a legal document is either because there is a paucity of funds or they are looking for scapegoats when the team does not live up to expectations.

Indeed, it only shows a lack of confidence and belief in the selected coach's abilities/expertise, and ensures that they can continue to make changes and manipulate situations to their suit their convenience. It is my sincere advice to fellow coaches to take a united stand and fight for a contract, otherwise the prevailing scenario will never change, and you will continue to face the same indignity meted out by the whims and fancies of the IHF.

Let us be totally honest. Every coach, whatever his claim to fame be, will give off his best and try and win for his country. However, in this day of professionalism and highly competitive hockey, there will be defeats as well as victories during any coach's tenure. The key is to persist with him. I am afraid the federation does not follow this principle. Their hasty, impulsive, decisions, in the matter of changing players and officials, only confirms this.

With due respect to the president's chair, Mr. Gill's statement -- that it is he who selects the team, and nobody can dictate terms to him -- is worth reflecting upon.

By any yardstick, it is the coach who should have the final say, as he alone knows what is best for his team and which players would be ideal to execute his plans. If he does not get what he wants, then how can he be held responsible/accountable for the team's performance?

Actually, the IHF president must give his wholehearted concurrence and support to the coach's requirements. This will send a clear message that the federation is solidly behind the coach, come what may.

Talking about support, there have been numerous times when players and officials have washed dirty linen in public -- criticising the coach and his overall handling of the team -- because of which the coach has been lambasted. This normally happens after the team returns following a poor performance.

Why does this happen? It is a clear case of shifting the blame to protect one's own hide. What is sad is, whilst this mudslinging goes on, the federation keeps mum. Is not the coach an integral part of the federation? Does not the federation realise that when muck is thrown, some of it sticks? Indeed, it is the IHF's responsibility to rebut the charges meted out to the coach. However, it only reacts, or takes any action, when criticism is directed towards it. And this results in the axing of players, coaches and officials.

Indeed, the easiest way to ensure a consistent policy and curtail negativism is for the IHF to sign contracts with both players and team officials, specifying a code of conduct.

Well, life is a constant learning process and one must be mature enough to identify and accept mistakes/criticism when entrusted with a task of such magnitude -- be it as an office-bearer in the federation or an official within the team.

When I was national coach, and criticism was biased or bordered on irrationality, I stood up and fought it. It was something that did not wash well with a lot of people. But from my perspective I did what my conscience told me to do and based my stand on this single thought: "If I am going to be criticised for doing what I believe in, I might as well keep doing what I believe in."

I am sure that those in power will not easily accept the above perception and, in all probability, term me a rebel or as being arrogant. I will not be too perturbed with the tag, because my policy today is the same as what it was in the past -- to give off my best and contribute to the sport.

Yes, I was offered the national coach's portfolio again a couple of months ago -- but knowing how the federation functioned, and having been there before, I insisted on a contract. I asked for a legal and binding document -- like in all professional walks of life -- one that ensures commitment, accountability and transparency from both parties -- the IHF and I. I believed that as the federation was making me an offer, it was their jurisdiction to give me their terms and conditions -- money being only one of the features.

All through life one has to make choices. So, if given an opportunity, it does not mean that one is compelled to accept it. Remember, just as it is the other party's prerogative to propose or offer, it is also yours to accept or refuse.

Well, to cut a long story short, the IHF did offer me money -- but not a contract. All this loose talk that I made too many demands is a load of crock. Since they did not want to talk about a contract, the concept of my terms and conditions being escalated just did not arise. This communication between the IHF and me was unfortunately misconstrued as me being arrogant and high-handed. All I did was ask to be treated as a thorough professional.

In conclusion, I would like to mention that during the course of the same talks, I did mention to the IHF top brass that I had given my word to a new project -- something that would ultimately help Indian hockey in the long run. I will give you a more detailed picture of this project in my next column.

Former India coach Cedric D'Souza is now executive director (coaching) at the Indian Hockey Federation.

Cedric D'Souza