Oltmans fines players for being late

One of the ways in which Roelant Oltmans tries to enforce compliance is fining the players. Team sources revealed that every player who is late by anywhere between one to five minutes for any gathering is fined Rs 500 while a delay more than that is fined Rs 1000.

Roelant Oltmans makes sure the players maintain discipline off the field as well.

If there is one thing Roelant Oltmans is particular about, it is discipline. The Dutchman has made no bones about his displeasure with the team earning unnecessary cards on field and committing fouls but what is less known is his insistence on ensuring the players maintain discipline off the field as well.

One of the ways in which he tries to enforce compliance is fining the players. Team sources revealed that every player who is late by anywhere between one to five minutes for any gathering is fined Rs 500 while a delay more than that is fined Rs 1000.

“It could be anything – team meetings, get-togethers, official functions, video sessions or even the team dinner. Anyone who is late is fined, no excuses. It works for the other members of the staff as well,” sources claimed.

“It is not a punishment but a way of making everyone realise that discipline and punctuality are very important. The amount that is collected is kept aside and then used to order snacks and drinks for everyone,” a senior team member said.

While the rule is not enforced too strictly with the junior side – both because there are hardly any repeat offenders and also because the coach realises that they occasionally get delayed inadvertently – it is a strict policy within the seniors.

Striker S.K. Uthappa reportedly is the most fined player – team-mates vouch for his laziness – while even Sardar Singh has been fined Rs 1000 twice.

“Every player has been fined at least once. By laziness and otherwise, everyone ends up being late some time or the other. But so far we have not had a chance to fine Oltmans himself, he is always on time!” laughed a player.