Athletics referees cry foul over allowances
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday March 2, 2026 10:28
The BAA is currently hosting competitions in Francistown due to the unavailability of the National Stadium.
The referees complain that they are not paid allowances. According to a source, BAA always cites a lack of funds for failure to pay the officials.
“They always complain about funds, but the board and Secretariat are accommodated in a hotel the entire weekend. Imagine a referee travelling from Greater Gaborone to Francistown at their own expenses, transport costs, but we are not provided with accommodation.
“There are no meal allowances except on competition day, when we are provided with tea and lunch. However, that lunch we have whilst working because of a packed programme that does not allow breaks,” the source said.
The official said they knock off late, but there is no transport provided at night. The only people who are partly taken care of are the timing crew, but it is not enough, the informant said.
“The Secretariat and board attend these events, without a role, but they are given premium treatment, whilst cries by referees are the order of the day,” the source added.
He added that it was disheartening for referees of one of the biggest National Sport Associations (NSAs) to face such mistreatment. The source added that what makes it worse is that when they expect the situation to improve, instead it deteriorates.
Further, it is said referees from Gaborone held a meeting with two regional chairpersons, Keamogetse Rancholo and Tebatso Omphithetse, to discuss the financial manual.
“We are still waiting for feedback because they had promised to submit our concerns to the board. The plan was to get feedback last year, before the 2026 season started. “We find ourselves back in action without feedback and resolutions,” the source added. BAA CEO, Mabua Mabua, said it has been the norm that whenever an event is carried out, local referees are assigned so that they do not need transport and accommodation.
He explained that referees from Gaborone officiate in Francistown to avoid being rusty. He said that was consistent with the BAA financial manual. He said a challenge occurs when referees used for an event are not local. “We are guided by the current approved financial manual. The manual was approved by the general assembly in December. However, we are working on rectifying the issue,” he said.
Mabua said initially, referees came in as volunteers, but the financial manual states that they should be paid daily allowances. He said it would be up to the general assembly to revise the manual because it seems a bit harsh in some areas. “In the new manual, we should not pay local per diem or mileage to anybody, including the board members, unlike in the past when it was paid. Sport is more about volunteering,” he said.
Mabua said payments depend on the budget, but it will be difficult to pay referees as much as they expect because of their high numbers.
He said allowance and accommodation are paid for the event manager, timing manager, and meet manager, but they are not paid for mileage. The competition manager is also recognised by the financial manual.
Meanwhile, 400m double world champion, Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, will open his season tomorrow at the BAA Track and Field Series Three. But he will not be running his favourite race as he opens with a 100m run. A member of the men’s 4x400m relay team, Lee Bhekempile Eppie will also be kicking off his season, lining up in the men’s 200m.