A Research On The Development Of The Track And Field In Post Independence Sierra Leone

This paper is written based on investigation and research through surveying questionnaires targeting stakeholders about the development of track and field in post-independence secondary schools in Sierra Leone. After analysing and discussing relevant materials, consulting experts in the sport and targeting investigations at the stakeholders as well as assessing the operation of the development of the sport in the country, the researcher is able to gain the experience on a series of issues that helped him arrive at the folllowing conclusions:1.The secondary schools'students are the main participants in both Sierra Leone's national and the secondary school track and field and to some extent embody the developing status of the sport in the country.2.There is a dare need for developing curriculae for the secondary school track and field sports. There is however a great shortage of apparatus and equipment, and the time allocated for the Track and Field lessons is inadequate. There is only one lesson of track and field per week, which is inadequate for the students to develop their capacity to compete in inter-schools competitions and reach national level. Therefore the poor performance of the national athletes translate into poor performance at international track and field competitions.3.The governing system and cultivation of teachers for the secondary school track and field should be strengthened as the functional level of the teachers that majored in track and field is extremely low. There are also insufficient track and field coaches and federation officials in the country. The problem is also compounded by the low level of remuneration and allowances for the stakeholders leading to the partial lack of scientific research and devolpment of the sport.4.The examnation and assessment of the secondary school track and field should be improved. The forms of assessment in the track and field aspect is mainly classroom multiple-choice witten examination administered at the end of every term. The track and field aspect is not adequately represented in the sample of questions drawn for such examinations. The sport teachers hardly relate the testing methods to the objectives or learning outcomes of the Physical Health Education Syllabus.5.The arbitration system in track and field offers important support for the track and field sports meeting for the secondary schools in the country.It provides a lot of opportunities for the secondary school students in Sierra Leone which help them to participate in activities offered by the Physical Health Education curriculum, it can also help students to take part in inter-school competitions as a part of the Physical Health Education programme.6.Adequate emphasis has not been placed on the promotion for the track and field athletics by the major stakeholders of the sport in Sierra Leone. This is demonstrated in the way in which limited competition opportunities are provided in the country due to the lack and uneven distribution of facilities and equipment throughout the country in recent years. There is an eventual decline in the participation and achievements of the Sierra Leone athletes at international competitions over the years. The development of the secondary school track and field sport meetings and the cultivation of the athletes should be strengthened to prepare young elites for track and field athletics.