The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has sought to calm the anxiety of local athletes, surrounding the start of the 2021 season, with an open letter stating its determination to get things back on track.

The Olympics are potentially just a few months away, but competitive track and field is yet to resume on the island.  The sport was shuttered in around March of last year, as the country struggled to come grips with the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

With containing its spread still a major concern, associations seeking to resume competitive sports must provide the government with detailed plans regarding the implementation of the required COVID-19 protocols.

In that respect, according to the letter, the JAAA is assuring local athletes that it is well ahead of the curve.

A few of the organisation’s proposals include the provision of COVID protocol marshals, trained by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, to oversee competitions and training; hosted sensitisation sessions with coaches, team managers, and athletes, a guide for meet organisers, and a team manual for competitors.

As proof of the strength of its proposals, the JAAA pointed to the fact that the document was shared with other North American, Central American, and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) members, who are expected to adopt several of the recommendations.