[UPDATED] Player-slapping trainer loses licence, banned from coaching volleyball

PUTRAJAYA – The Malaysian Volleyball Association has revoked the coaching licence of a Melaka junior volleyball coach who was caught slapping two of his 14-year-old players last month. 

This was announced by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh in a joint press conference with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek here, today. 

Additionally, the coach Saiful Hadee Amar will also be banned from being a coach for the sport as well as coaching any students.

Hannah asserted that there will be no compromise when it comes to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of athletes, particularly the younger generation as any harm inflicted on them could jeopardise their future.

“The National Sports Council and Mava had concluded their investigations and had unanimously decided that the coach should lose his eligibility to coach.

“This is not an issue of whether there is an injury or not. This matter involved children and we cannot just sweep issues like these under the rug anymore. 

“We want children, friends, and parents who know of any cases like this to bring this issue to the attention of their respective sports associations or organisers of a match,” Hannah said. 

However, Fadhlina added that the coach could file an appeal through the Melaka Education Ministry. 

“There is room for an appeal process from the MoE through a committee that has already been set up under the state Education Department.

“There is also room for representation for him,” she added. 

In the meantime, Hannah shared that her ministry is currently reviewing and tightening the Safe Sport Code of Conduct which is expected to be introduced soon. 

It is to ensure that all sports industry players understand that they hold a shared responsibility to create a healthy and safe sports environment. – The Vibes, January 12, 2023