A Taekwondo instructor with a Lagos-based club, Thursdaline Peters, has advised schools to ensure that only coaches who are versatile in the sport’s techniques are allowed to train pupils.

Peters, who is with Pan-African Martial Arts International (PANAMAI), gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

She  said that the essence was to ensure that children’s talents were developed according to the principles of the sport.

“The best way of achieving positive result is to nurture them strictly according to the dos and don’ts of Taekwondo because of the sports combat nature.

“This is because with their mind set they easily adapt to instructions given to them by their coaches, so, they must not be misguided to avoid contravening the rules.

“It is a sport that requires the application of discipline. So, school authorities must confirm that instructors know their onions before given the opportunity to train pupils,’’ Peters said.

According to her, the rules of the sport are dynamic and technical officials are expected to acquaint themselves with them by participating in refresher courses both locally and internationally.

“The International Taekwondo Federation and Nigeria Taekwondo Federation organise seminars from time to time, so coaches and referees must make extra effort to attend and evaluate their knowledge,’’ she added.

Peters also urged the schools to take advantage of open competitions organised across the states to expose young taekwondoists and assess the level of progress in the sport.

She called on corporate bodies and individuals to assist in promoting the sport by sponsoring programmes and donating gift items to reward athletes with outstanding performances.

“Sponsorship can be in cash, gift or kits and this can speak volume and encourage schools to organise competitions for athletes to exhibit their talents,’’ Peter said.

The instructor appealed to young athletes who have interest in the sport to be committed, adding that it was the only way that they could build careers in it.