The ISSA schoolboy football schedule was thrown in chaos on Saturday after strike action by members of the Jamaica Football Referees Association (JFRA) that led to the cancellation and rescheduling of all games that were down to be played in the DaCosta Cup competitions.

The strike comes after last weekend’s incident at the Zone D DaCosta Cup showdown between McGrath and Dinthill where three officials were physically assaulted.

In withholding their services the referees have withdrawn from participating in ISSA-ran competitions until a meeting is held between the leadership of both bodies to discuss what the JFRA described as serious security concerns.

The JFRA in a letter to ISSA listed three incidents where its members were attacked, on two occasions 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.”

The incidents highlighted by the JFRA include assistant referee Richard Ball reportedly needing medical attention after allegedly being hit in the chest by a missile thrown during a DaCosta Cup Zone A contest on September 14 at the Maldon High in St. James and three officials – Christopher Bailey, Oshane Williams and Robert DaSilva – being physically assaulted and threatened by players from Dinthill Technical High School at the contest between McGrath and the visiting Dinthill in Linstead on September 14.

The governing body also referred to an incident between a member of the Clarendon College team and FIFA official Steffon Dewar during the 2023 ISSA Champions Cup final between Clarendon College and Glenmuir at the National Stadium.

According to the JFRA “after an intense discussion – that took place on Friday – the members were unanimous in their view that the disciplinary sanctions imposed will not adequately address the safety concerns.”

The letter also stated “the latest incidents are a serious cause for concern and highlight critical security issues that threaten the safety of our members.”

“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.”

ISSA has since issued a release addressing the situation.

“The Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA), was today forced to postpone all games scheduled for Saturday, September 28, 2024, in the Dacosta Cup competition. These games are now scheduled to be played on Monday, September 30, 2024,” it 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. Despite a fruitful meeting where all concerns raised were addressed and solutions agreed upon, the referees decided that they would not make themselves available for games before Monday, September 30, 2024.”

ISSA while committed to “reviewing its general operations” said it is disappointed that a conciliatory position could not have been arrived at, that would allow today’s (Saturday) games to be played, but look forward to a quick and smooth resumption on Monday.”.