Jamaica’s Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) has sought consensus and some direction from high school coaches regarding the possibility of staging the popular Boys and Girls Championship next year.
The event, which is typically staged in the month of March, was cancelled this year due to the credible threat of being a coronavirus super spreader event. Since then, ISSA has announced the suspension of all school competitions scheduled for the Christmas term.
With no creditable solutions coming to the fore as yet regarding the best possible ways to returning to the staging of high school sports, amidst the pandemic, concerns had been raised regarding the protentional of next year’s event being cancelled as well.
In a letter issued to the coaches, ISSA was quick to point out that the December term cancellations had no impact on next year’s event. But, in light of the need to satisfy restrictive COVID-19 protocols for staging the event, the body also pointed out that creative solutions were needed in order to host the competition.
“ISSA has cancelled all ISSA competitions scheduled for the 2020 Christmas term. This decision, however, does not have any impact on the staging of the 2021 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Championships,” the letter read.
“However, the national COVID-19 protocols dictate that if Champs 2021 is to be a reality, then adjustments have to be made to the general structure and scheduling of the meet. These changes could possibly have implications for the number of athletes, classes, events and days of Champs 2021,” it continued.
“We, therefore, invite each group of regional coaches (as per Regional Meets, Western, Central, Eastern, Corporate) to meet virtually amongst themselves and discuss possible suggestions as to what the 2021 ISSA/GraceKennedy Champs may look like in the context of COVID-19. It is expected that from the regional discussions, coaches will submit their suggestions via an appointed team leader by email.”
The coaches will have until October 2, to submit their suggestions. (Sports Max)