ONLY recently we had reason to criticise the teams in the National Premier League (NPL) with regard to facilities for the media — an elevated platform that was mandated by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), as a prelude to next seasons professional league.

Most teams ignored this requirement and oftentimes reporters could be seen engaged in heated words with fourth officials and match commissaries on the sidelines, as reporters hustled for vantage points.

It was, therefore, a welcome relief last Sunday when I visited the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex for coverage of the Arnett-Duhaney Park game. Perched on the top tier of the southern stand was a cozy little press box that can comfortably seat about six or seven people.

There I was presented with a printed match card of the home team, and the visitors’ line-up was made available for transcription.

This was something I had never experienced before at club level football in Jamaica, but it was most appreciated, and for once I felt like I was in a semi-professional atmosphere.

Ever since this facility was mandated by the JFF, its continued neglect by the host teams has been a major peeve of the Sunday Observer, and we have raised the issue over and over.

At a minimum, it provides the atmosphere for us to do justice to our profession without any hindrance, and by extension, provides better copies for the reading, listening and viewing audiences — a win-win situation.

At present the press area at Arnett is by no means the ultimate, but at least it is a move in the right direction, and the management of the club ought to be commended.

It is now hoped that other clubs will follow suit, for if the sport is to move to the next level of professionalism, then this aspect can only be viewed as a basic ingredient.

But we had barely got over the improvement of the press facility at Arnett Gardens when public enemy number one, spectator violence, reared its ugly head and aborted the Jackie Bell KO semifinal between arch rivals, Arnett Gardens and Tivoli Gardens, at Harbour View last Wednesday.

This is something we can definitely do without, but on reflection, the uncouth behaviour of our people, which is becoming worse each day, means that spectator violence shouldn’t be a surprise.

Unfortunately, an incident like this calls for tough decisions and let’s hope the powers that be are willing to make these decisions. After all, the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington have denied citizens a number of freedoms, but the measures are necessary if they are to overcome the evil threats. The same principles can be applied to our football.

From where we stand, we will just have to give up certain privileges such as preventing bottles — plastic and glass — from entering sporting arenas. Added to this, no weapons should be allowed inside either, which means a body search for individuals attending games. If we are to preserve our sporting events then we have to implement measures to fight the terrors of spectator violence.

The long lines and extended time in getting inside venues should be a small price to pay for safety.

It is also full time clubs take more responsibility for the behaviour of their spectators. This is the norm all over the globe. It is a heavy burden for the management and players to bear but it is the accepted norm.

Without delay, the disciplinary arm of the JFF should act without fear or favour, and do so in a firm and committed manner. A message should be sent to all and sundry that this behaviour will not be tolerated, but first all necessary measures must be put in place to prevent any recurrence.

After that, spectators who misbehave will do so at their teams’ peril.