KINGSTON, Jamaica — The membership of the Jamaica Football Referees Association (JFRA) has withdrawn from participating in any football competition organised by the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) until a meeting is held between the leadership of both bodies to discuss what they describe as serious security concerns.

All 30 matches across both the daCosta Cup and Manning Cup competitions scheduled for Saturday, September 28th have been called off and will be rescheduled.

READ: Referees strike halts all ISSA football matches today

In a letter from the JFRA to ISSA, the officials listed three serious incidents since last season where their members were attacked, twice by players and once by members of the public, and requested a meeting “to review the security protocols in place for the competition and to provide support for all members as we plan for the remainder of the competition.”

Assistant referee Richard Ball reportedly had to seek medical attention after he was allegedly struck in the chest by a missile thrown during a daCosta Cup Zone A game played at Maldon High on September 14th. Last week, three match officials—Christopher Bailey, Robert DaSilva, and Oshane Williams—were reportedly physically assaulted and threatened by players from Dinthill Technical High School, who were “seemingly out of control and posed a serious threat to the referees on the day in question,” the letter said.

The JFRA also highlighted an incident from last season’s ISSA Champions Cup final, where “there was an unfortunate incident involving a Clarendon College player and FIFA Official Steffon Dewar,” according to the letter over the signature of JFRA president and former FIFA referee Valdin Ledgister stated.

“After an intense discussion (Friday evening) the members were unanimous in their view that the disciplinary sanctions imposed will not adequately address the safety concerns of the traumatised referee groups. In fact, the latest incidents are a serious cause for concern and highlight critical security issues that threaten the safety of our members,” the letter also stated.

“As a result, the 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 and will not be treated lightly. Additionally, the members have taken a unanimous decision not to officiate any ISSA-organized football competitions pending an urgent meeting between the leadership of both groups to discuss the way forward.”

—Paul A Reid