Jack Gallagher's Oct. 10 sports column, "Murakami case shows JSF short on skater support," gives a clear example of what happens when a lack of communication combines with a lack of knowledge regarding the rules and procedures. The 17-year-old skater Daisuke Murakami could have been training with his coach Nikolai Morozov for the South African and other remaining meets this season if the Japan Skating Federation had informed them that the deadline for submitting the paperwork for (Murakami's international debut) had already passed. Instead, the two wasted their time in Mexico City for a meet they would not be part of.
Also disappointing is that JSF seems unwilling to be held accountable for their handling of this situation. The credibility of the people up top would have remained mostly intact if they had apologized and accepted responsibility. Since they chose not to save face, I won't be surprised if calls to resign are ringing in the Japanese skating circles.
I am taking a couple of MBA courses in the States and have come to the realization that one error in communicating or following the rules can result in athletes being denied the opportunity to compete. It happens everywhere. Teams forfeit games because of ineligible players, and in spite of great performances, many individual medals must be given back because somebody didn't go through the red tape.
All this with Murakami and Morozov would have been avoided if there had been communication and knowledge of the regulations when the two became part of the skating team. This should be water under the bridge, but I won't be surprised if the seats have gotten a bit hotter for the people up top.
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