ISSA rejects JC appeal, upholds Walker Cup disqualification

The Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) has rejected Jamaica College’s (JC) appeal, confirming the school’s disqualification from today’s Walker Cup final and barring it from next year’s tournament.

The issue arose after teenager Jamone Lyle represented JC in a Manning Cup match and the Walker Cup semi-final after signing a professional contract with Waterhouse Football Club, in breach of ISSA’s amateurism rule.

JC lodged the appeal seeking to have the many-time schoolboy football champions reinstated in the final.

In siding with its disciplinary committee, the ISSA Executive Committee, led by President Keith Wellington, noted that the sanctions were appropriate for the infractions under its rules.

JC had argued in its appeal that it could not have known that the player was a professional, but ISSA disagreed, insisting that the onus was on the school to make itself aware of his status.

“However, the committee notes Jamone's antecedents this season in respect to his engagement with the various national teams, as well as his participation in the Jamaica Premier League competition, provided ample reason for Jamaica College to ascertain his status in order to ensure compliance with ISSA's established amateurism rules. The committee therefore upholds the ruling.”

Professional football contracts in Jamaica are lodged with world governing body FIFA through the local governing body, the Jamaica Football Federation.

The Executive Committee also advised JC that it was within its rights to appeal the ruling to ISSA’s Appeals Board in writing, clearly outlining the specific ruling being challenged and the grounds for the appeal.

The appeal would then be heard in person, with the school having the right to legal representation.

The Appeals Board’s decision would, however, be binding, as ISSA member schools are prohibited from taking the association or its representatives to court.

Today’s Walker Cup final will go ahead as scheduled at Stadium East at 4 p.m., with Kingston College facing Mona High. JC had defeated Mona High in the controversial semi-final, but ISSA advanced Mona High to the final following JC’s expulsion.

JC has also been suspended from next year’s Walker Cup competition.

Lyle cannot compete in ISSA-run competitions this season but will be eligible to do so next season if he relinquishes his professional status.

JC also forfeited the three points it gained against St Catherine High in the Manning Cup match in which Lyle played.

However, the school’s participation in the remainder of that competition has not been affected.

- Karen Madden

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