REGIONAL cricketers are being educated on the dos and don’ts of major off-field issues.
Among them are doping, racism and corruption.
It is all part of a player education programme rolled out by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).
The campaign intensified in recent weeks with a number of seminars across the region ahead of the 2010 Caribbean Twenty20.
Newly appointed WICB player relations officer Ayanna Cooper gave audio visual presentations on some of the major issues in the game to the region’s leading men and women players.
Cooper outlined the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) anti-doping code and brought players and team officials up to date on the details and requirements for persons playing at the regional and international level.
The WICB is a signatory to the ICC’s anti-doping code, which is based on the rules of the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA).
As part of her outreach, Cooper has also held meetings relating to the WICB’s general player programme.
Early next year, the WICB will stage seminars on the ICC anti-corruption and security programme and the ICC’s anti-racism programme.
“I used the opportunity to meet with the players across the region and form a relationship with them, most of whom I am meeting for the first time.
“This is part of the groundwork being done by the WICB as we seek to work closely with our players,” said Cooper, a Trinidadian, who has a wealth of experience working with elite athletes.
“The players have been asking a lot of questions and this is a good sign. It shows that they are interested in their profession and want to get more knowledge. They are really interested and we are working with the regional anti-doping agencies to provide more information and education for our players. (HG/PR)
