Show some discipline

YOUNGER athletes should abide by the same rules as their older counterparts.

This is especially so regarding codes of conduct as they are universal yardsticks transcending all age groups. Immaturity or ignorance is certainly not a valid excuse to make one immune from such rules.

As role models, they should maintain the highest standards of discipline and professionalism.

Punishing them harshly while they are still young will keep them from committing similar mistakes in future, especially if they intend to become professional sportsmen.

Nicholas Lim, 19, has a place at NTU's Nanyang Business School.

Ban is too harsh

ATHLETES who flout the rules should be punished, regardless of age. If we treat younger athletes by a different standard, then at what age or rule do we draw the line?

But the focus must be on applying the law in a fair and flexible manner.

Yes, rules were broken, but by issuing a competition ban, the Triathlon Association of Singapore made the incident public, and tarnished the athletes' reputations.

It also appeared to be overly harsh and prudish, possibly creating a scandal where there was none.

Joel Lian, 20, has a place to read arts and social sciences at NUS.

Much ado about nothing

OH, COME on. Banning two triathletes of the opposite gender just because they were in a hotel room together? I think that's pushing it too far.

It's not as if the two did not know what they were doing in the first place. Being over the age of 20, I believe they know what is right and wrong.

It's funny how Singaporeans can get so worked up over such trivial issues. Maybe it is because of our conservative society, which does provide a strong foundation for the upbringing of youth.

However, I think we should be more open-minded and less rigid at times.

Oliver Sayson, 20, is a full-time national serviceman.

Let results do the talking

A WATCHFUL eye must be kept on athletes as young as 14 or 15, as they are easily led astray. Tough rules will mould them into better, more professional athletes.

Older athletes, like Mok and Chan, should be trusted with the discretion to go about their own private lives.

What is important is whether these athletes manage to deliver results and clinch medals.

Geran Wong, 18, is a Pre-U Year 3 arts student at the Millennia Institute.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.

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» Athletes' ban stirs debate
» Caught alone together: Triathletes banned