ISSA says its football competitions are set to resume on Monday afternoon after a sick-out by members of the Jamaica Football Referees Association (JFRA) yesterday.

Saturday’s slate of 30 games across the two major competitions, the daCosta Cup and Manning Cup, was not played after the referees took a decision during a meeting on Friday night that they would not continue until they had met with the executive of ISSA to discuss matters concerning their security at games.

ISSA Competitions Coordinator Ewan Scott said late Saturday that after a meeting between both bodies, the referees decided to resume on Monday.

He said games that were set to be played on Saturday will be played on Monday.

“If there are any conflicts, the relevant changes will be made to the other matches and the revised schedule will be circulated asap,” he said.

A release from ISSA on Saturday expressed regret that despite what was described as “a fruitful meeting.”

“We are disappointed that a conciliatory position could not have been arrived at, that would allow today’s games to be played, but look forward to a quick and smooth resumption on Monday, September 30, 2024,” ISSA said. “It should be noted that ISSA arranged and met with the representatives of the JFRA within an hour of receiving the letter of concern from the JFRA.

“The concerns raised by the JFRA 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 in particular, the specific areas of concerns raised, with the intention of ensuring that we continue to provide a safe and wholesome environment for all persons participating in our various competitions.”

The entire football community, particularly the ISSA competitions, was thrown into confusion on Saturday when the news broke and a number of schools showed up for games in the afternoon.

In a letter from the JFRA to ISSA over the signature of President Valdin Legister, a former FIFA referee, the officials listed three serious incidents since last season when their members were attacked — twice by players and once by members of the public and asked for a meeting “to review the security protocols in place for the competition and to provide support for all members as we seek to plan for the remainder of the competition.”

An assistant referee, Richard Ball, had to seek medical attention after he was struck in his chest by an object thrown during a daCosta Cup Zone A game played at Maldon High on September 14 and last week “three match officials Christopher Bailey, Robert DaSilva and Oshane Williams being physically assaulted and threatened by registered players of the 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.

As a result, three players from Dinthill Technical were suspended and the school put on probation for three years on Thursday; Maalick Whyte and Shamair Hutchinson have been barred from competing in all ISSA-run competitions for one year, effective September 26, and Tyrese Gowe has been suspended for three games, effective the same date.

Reports are that players were involved in a confrontation with the referee after the game and it was alleged one of them physically assaulted the official.

In their letter to ISSA, the JFRA said that at last season’s ISSA Champions Cup final, “there was an unfortunate incident with a Clarendon College player and FIFA Official Steffon Dewar.

“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 members of the affected referee groups. In fact, the latest incidents are indeed a serious cause for concern and highlights critical security concerns that threatens the safety of the members,” the letter said.

“As a result, the members have unanimously agreed that they will no longer put their safety at risk and which to send a strong message that safety, and security is of paramount importance and will not be treated lightly.

“Additionally, the members have taken a unanimous decision not to officiate in any ISSA organised football competitions pending an urgent meeting of the leadership of both groups at your earliest convenience to discuss the way forward.

“We look forward to your timely response which we know will initiate the dialogue needed to review and adjust where possible, the protocols in place but also seek to establish the best way forward. As a key stakeholder, we are fully committed to working towards the best solutions to ensure that the desired outcomes are realised for all concerned.”