JPL for professionals or not?

A FEW years ago, the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) was described as a bush league. Many at the time disagreed. Then came Chris Williams, and he has proven beyond all doubt, the bush can be weeded.

Through his leadership, we have seen improvement in the general running of the league, with a more professional approach in almost every area.

However, what happened last Sunday at Jamaica College in the game between Harbour View Football Club and Molynes United, where both teams turned up and were allowed to start the game in identical colours was bush refereeing.

The experienced Odette Hamilton, Christopher Mason, Joshua Jackson, and Deron Lewis were assigned duties for the game.

All except Lewis have a FIFA badge emblazoned on their left breast. How they allowed the teams to leave the dressing room, let alone start the game, defies every logic.

Sadly, the game was being televised for the world to see and take our national competition, in particular, and Jamaica’s football, in general, for a big joke.

A few years ago, despite the dearth of talent, our referees were among the best, on this side of the world. Today, despite the presence of several FIFA officials, the officiating is worse than I have seen it.

The only good thing about it is from this nadir position, it can only go up, so there is hope.

Simply put, those in charge have no clue as to what they are doing.

Some of these young referees have talent, but leadership and guidance are lacking.

Jamaica’s football has, at its disposal, one Peter Prendergast, the second-most experienced FIFA referees’ instructor in the world.

As far as I know of him, like any good teacher, he marks very hard.

However, that wealth of knowledge is not being tapped into by the local officials.

On the other hand, the referees in the Concacaf region, who are doing exceptionally well on the world stage, continue to idolise and reference him.

BRIGHTEST PROSPECT

Oshane Nation, apart from his hubris, is our brightest prospect. He is super fit, knows the game and is a standout in the middle. He was rewarded for his hard work with an assignment to the Under-20 World Cup to be hosted by Argentina.

There are now reports that although Prendergast offered to assist in his preparation, he has been assigned to a former referee, whose knowledge is confined to a classroom.

I am sure Nation’s eyes are fixed on leading a team out at the 2026 World Cup. That lifetime dream can be further enhanced, with good performances in Argentina, hence he should let his former colleague focus on preparing his students for exams.

Ultimately, the responsibility of the referees falls in the hands of the general secretary of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Dennis Chung, who must move apace to ensure not only strong action is taken against the officials from last Sunday’s game, but work to significantly improve the general officiating.

The high level of professionalism now shown by those who run the league must be replicated in every aspect.

The officiating cannot be the weakest link in the chain.

Over to you JFF.