ISSA expressed disappointment that a resolution was not reached to allow Saturday's games to proceed
3 hrs ago
Nicardo Graham (left) of Jonathan Grant High and Kevin Howell of Charlie Smith High vie for the ball during their ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup Zone B match at Papine on Thursday, September 26, 2024. The match concluded in a 2-2 draw. (PHOTO: Marlon Reid).
All matches in the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) schoolboy football competitions scheduled for Saturday were cancelled due to a strike by the Jamaica Football Referees Association (JFRA).
The strike followed the suspension of three Dinthill Technical High School players by ISSA's disciplinary committee, stemming from an altercation with a referee during a 1-1 draw against McGrath High.
ISSA banned Dinthill players Maalick Whyte and Shamair Hutchinson from all competitions for one year, effective immediately, while Tyrese Gowe received a three-match suspension. The school was also placed on a three-year probation, facing potential suspension from ISSA events if further breaches occur.
The JFRA, after internal discussions, deemed the disciplinary actions insufficient to address their safety concerns. In a statement, the association said the incidents "highlight critical security issues" that put referees at risk and added, "Members have unanimously agreed that they will no longer put their safety at risk and wish to send a strong message that safety and security are of paramount importance."
ISSA, in response, postponed all Saturday games, rescheduling them for Monday. In a statement, ISSA said it had met with JFRA representatives within an hour of receiving their concerns, and while the meeting was described as "fruitful," the referees decided not to officiate before Monday.
"The concerns raised by the JFRA relate to the safety of match officials and the penalties for those who verbally or physically abuse them," ISSA said, committing to reviewing its operations to ensure a safe environment for all participants.
ISSA expressed disappointment that a resolution was not reached to allow Saturday's games to proceed but looked forward to a smooth resumption of play on Monday.
“We are disappointed that a conciliatory position could not have been arrived at, that would allow today’s games to be played,” said the statement from ISSA.
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