NO OFFENCE intended, but the word 'commitment' isn't one that seems to sit well with Bermuda's national sports teams.

Yet thankfully it is one which national soccer coach Kenny Thompson recognises as essential to the future success of his squad.

Thompson this week named an initial group of 25 who have already begun preparation for the World Cup campaign which kicks off early next year, and competitions beyond.

And he made it clear to each and every one of those players that, regardless of whatever talent they might possess, unless they're willing to commit to his programme they'd best stay at home.

No doubt past coaches have made similar declarations, but the recent history of national team training ? both in soccer and cricket ? shows that whatever initial instructions were handed down have all too frequently been taken with a pinch of salt.

Some players have turned up for training when they felt like it, some not at all. And quite clearly, some, with no sense of national pride whatsoever, couldn't have cared less whether they were selected or not.

Given that elsewhere most sportsmen and sportswomen make enormous sacrifices just to earn the slightest chance of representing their country, it's always difficult to understand the indifferent attitude adopted by so many of our top athletes.

But that's the way it is in Bermuda. And unfortunately it's almost become accepted.

Only this week, it was learned that two of the Island's most prolific strikers ? Heys Wolffe and Raymond Beach ? had declined a request to join Thompson's squad, not even bothering to respond to his invitation.

The Devonshire Cougars' pair are undoubtedly two of the most gifted players in the local league, but apparently have no inclination to play for their country.

Why? We can hazard a guess, but at the end of the day, they either want to play or they don't.

And Thompson should waste no more of his time trying to persuade them.

It again all comes down to commitment and any player who isn't 100 percent committed shouldn't be given the opportunity to let down his coach, his team-mates and more importantly his country.

While outlining what he expected of his players this week, asking that they adopt almost a professional approach to their World Cup build-up, Thompson wisely pointed out that there would be room for flexibility.

Recognising that all of the players also have other commitments ? most notably work and family ? he agreed that those with genuine reasons for not attending training would be excused.

But he also made it clear that those who couldn't justify their absence would be quickly weeded out.

Hopefully, he will keep his word.

Discipline has been lacking at the national level for too long. It's high time that it was restored and strictly maintained.

If players such as Beach and Wolffe don't want to play for their country, that's their prerogative.

And those who do need to demonstrate at every session they're eager, willing and fully committed.

Kenny's laid down the law. Let's hope, for once, the players can uphold it.