*Demands proper registration to afford sanctions
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) yesterday expressed its determination to bring order and sanity to the organisation of road races in Nigeria with caveat that existing and intending road race organisers must henceforth register with the body .
AFN Vice President, Tafida Gadzama who is also the head of the federation’s road race sub-committee said this becomes necessary following complaints over non-payment of prize moneys and uncertified measurement of race courses.
“The AFN received a letter from World Athletics warning that the federation will be held responsible for non-payment of prize moneys. This is unacceptable going forward and to ensure our athletes get rewarded for participating in any road race, all road race organisers must annually register with the AFN and will be issued with licenses certifying them as such,” said Gadzama. “The other conditions to be met will be attached to the licenses that will be issued upon registration.”
According to Gadzama, registration as a road race organiser is just the first step towards getting any race sanctioned, adding the AFN, through its road race sub-committee , will also send technical and medical delegates to all registered road races in Nigeria.
He further said: “We have seen races where World Athletics competition rules are not strictly followed and where world records are set when we, for now know the level of our athletes.
“Like World Athletics have been doing to protect the integrity of road races worldwide especially with the label road races, the AFN, as an affiliate of the world body cannot do otherwise hence the decision to send technical and medical delegates.
“The technical delegates will ensure all World Athletics rules are strictly applied before, during and after a race and all race courses are properly measured.”