Forbes

Competitions officer of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA), George Forbes, says the current academic rule governing player participation in the ongoing Manning and daCosta Cup competitions is a fair one and one for which his organisation is proud.

The rule, which states that a student must attain a minimum of four grades of 45 per cent or above in the term preceding the start of ISSA-run competitions, has from time to time come up for discussion.

importance of education

However, some principals, physical department heads, teachers, parents and coaches have from time to time questioned the requirements for one reason or another saying that it is either too low or too high.

But according to Forbes, having taken into consideration all the concerns, ISSA thinks the rule is equitable and works well.

"It's a situation where some people are saying we should not do anything, and allow students to compete regardless of their academic capabilities, while others are saying that it is a bit too low and should be increased to at least 50 per cent so as to drive home the importance of education," said Forbes.

"But we are saying that there should be standards, and the current rule is a fair academic standard, not too high, not too low, for any reasonable child to attain," he added.

He continued: "We don't want anyone to come to school just to play sports as it is equally important that they leave school with minimum academic requirements.

Meanwhile, asked about the general compliance rate to the rules, Forbes said it was very high although from time to time a few schools run afoul of requirements.

random checks

"We have had to go around and do random checks from time to time to check for authenticity and on occasions have found some schools wanting," he explained.

"As such we have had to disqualify schools, and others have been brought in to disciplinary hearings. But all in all it has been good and we are happy that the compliance rate is high.

"We have to always try and do what is in the best academic interest of the student," he added.