Botswana using expired stadium certificates
Local stadia including the National Stadium are operating with expired World Athletics certificates but local authorities have said there is nothing to be concerned about.
According to World Athletics, the Certification System has been developed in response to the need for better quality products in top-level competitions and the rapid developments in athletics equipment.
“It also recognises the growing trend towards international standardisation of product specifications, as well as the need to prevent unauthorised usage of the World Athletics name,” reads World Athletics Certification System Procedures document. The document further states that World Athletics has a worldwide responsibility to guarantee validity and accuracy of performances and to support any initiative to improve athletics goods.
“Not only will the Certification System serve and protect athletics manufacturers around the world, but the innovation will also give vital support to World Athletics’ mission in helping and protecting athletes at the top levels of the sport worldwide.
This will encourage a higher standard of improving technique through using better quality equipment and implements in international and other competitions,” the document further reads. The Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) director - business development and property management services, Stephen Makuke told MmegiSport that they are waiting for feedback from World
Athletics on their request for certification. He said the National Stadium was refurbished last year April.
For his part, the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) president, Moses Bantsi, said although they are using facilities that do not have proper certification, World Athletics has given them a waiver to continue with competitions while awaiting the certificate.
“There is nothing to worry about because the situation is being handled. If an athlete clocks qualifying time tomorrow in Francistown, it would be recognised because we are operating within the waiver,” Bantsi said.
The matter of expired certificates comes at a time when the athletics season starts tomorrow with the BAA Track and Field Series One at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown.