ISSA, referees end Mexican standoff

HIGH SCHOOL sports’ governing body the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA), through a press release, explained that cancelled matches in the ongoing schoolboy football season will resume tomorrow following a decision by the Jamaica Football Referees Association to withdraw their services for yesterday’s fixtures.

“The postponement of the games resulted from a position taken by members of the Jamaica Football Referees Association and communicated to ISSA to not make themselves available for games in our competitions until an urgent meeting is held between their representatives and ISSA,” the statement read.

The withdrawal is believed to have its genesis in multiple recent clashes among referees, spectators and student athletes.

The most recent of the clashes occurred last Saturday when a match official was attacked by three Dinthill Technical players following their 1-1 draw against McGrath High. ISSA has since banned two of the Dinthill players for a year, one player received a three-match suspension, while the school was placed on three years’ probation.

According to the press release, ISSA “stands resolute in ensuring the safety of match officials for their competitions.

“The concerns raised by the Jamaica Football Referees Association are related to the general safety and security of match officials at our games as well as the stipulated penalties for persons who verbally or physically abuse match officials. ISSA has committed to reviewing its general operations and continue to provide a safe and wholesome environment for all persons participating in our various competitions.”

ISSA explained that it acted quickly to rectify the matter in a bid to defuse any possibility of an escalation. The governing body added that while it was disappointed by the string of incidents, it anticipates a seamless resumption on Monday.

“It should be noted that ISSA arranged and met with the representatives of the Jamaica Football Referees Association within an hour of receiving the letter of concern. We are disappointed that a conciliatory position could not have been arrived at, that would allow [yesterday’s] games to be played but look forward to a quick and smooth resumption.”

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com