Dear Editor,

As the curtain slowly falls on this year’s DaCosta Cup football season, there is an issue that should be dealt with before the next season begins. The issue is that of the venues selected by the competition’s organisers to host inter-zone round competitions. Recently, the coach of Munro College had protested against having to play a team from Montego Bay at Jarrett Park. This arrangement, the coach felt, was tantamount to playing his opponent on their home field. His protests, however, fell on deaf ears. More recently, Glenmuir had to travel to Santa Cruz to play St Elizabeth Technical on their campus’ field. On Saturday (28th), St Elizabeth Technical hosted their semi-final opponent (again) on their home field in Santa Cruz. I am told that St James High also “benefited” (but failed to capitalise) on ISSA’s scheduling. I hold no animosity for STETHS and St James High, nor am I angry at the lack of outcry from the authorities at Glenmuir, Manchester High and other schools.

As the curtain slowly falls on this year’s DaCosta Cup football season, there is an issue that should be dealt with before the next season begins. The issue is that of the venues selected by the competition’s organisers to host inter-zone round competitions. Recently, the coach of Munro College had protested against having to play a team from Montego Bay at Jarrett Park. This arrangement, the coach felt, was tantamount to playing his opponent on their home field. His protests, however, fell on deaf ears. More recently, Glenmuir had to travel to Santa Cruz to play St Elizabeth Technical on their campus’ field. On Saturday (28th), St Elizabeth Technical hosted their semi-final opponent (again) on their home field in Santa Cruz. I am told that St James High also “benefited” (but failed to capitalise) on ISSA’s scheduling. I hold no animosity for STETHS and St James High, nor am I angry at the lack of outcry from the authorities at Glenmuir, Manchester High and other schools.

As a matter of fact, these schools may have also benefited from ISSA’s actions in earlier rounds. However, I hold nothing but contempt for ISSA’s handling of inter-zone round scheduling. I suspect that ISSA will try to defend the indefensible by raising the need to maximise gate receipts. ISSA, however, must understand that revenue collection cannot and should not trump the need for “fair play”. ISSA’s charade continues full force tomorrow when Manchester High School will travel to Santa Cruz to contest STETHS in the DaCosta Cup final. I find this most unacceptable and sufficient cause to nullify the entire competition.

Schools are in the business of education and not that of making a buck at all costs. School principals must show some concern for “fair play” and demand that the charade does not spill over into next season; anything less will make them co-conspirators in a game of ultimate ineptitude. Does the JFF care to advise ISSA on the matter, or are they also players in the same game?