October 12, 2026

David Riley retains presidency of the Jamaica Track and Field Coaches Association (JATAFCA)

National coach David Riley has been returned unopposed as president of the Jamaica Track and Field Coaches Association (JATAFCA).

Coach at Alphansus Davis High School, Megan Wilson-Copeland, was elected first vice-president, while Damion Reid was elected second vice-president. Michael Vassell was elected General secretary, Wayne Long Public Relations officer, and Duwayne Campbell coaches education officer.

Riley, the head coach at Excelsior High School, has indicated that part of his mandate for his new term is to renew coaches’ licences, expand certification courses and improve working conditions, among other areas.

Riley added that the association would focus on managing the first round of coaching licence renewals, taking certification courses across the island and advocating for better conditions for coaches to ensure Jamaica retains its coaching expertise.

Since January 1, 2025, a licence has been required to coach track and field in Jamaica, with the credential issued jointly by JATAFCA and the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA).

The association also delivered World Athletics Level 2 certification in Kingston, resulting in 64 coaches being certified across four courses.

Riley, who was recently appointed to the World Athletics Coaches Commission, is scheduled to attend the commission’s next meeting in Monaco from October 23 to 27.

The association’s next World Athletics Level 1 assessment is scheduled for October 21, while Level 2 courses in sprints and hurdles, and jumps, are planned for December 26 to 31.