JC awaiting decision on appeal against ISSA sanctions

Jamaica College (JC) is now awaiting a decision from the Appeals Board of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) after challenging sanctions imposed on the school for fielding footballer Jamone Lyle, who was found to have signed a professional contract with Premier League club Waterhouse FC.

The sanctions, handed down on October 13, included a one-year suspension from the Walker Cup beginning next season, the deduction of points from the school in the Manning Cup competition and a one-year ban from ISSA schoolboy football for Lyle.

The appeal seeks to have the penalties overturned or reduced.

The three-member Appeals Board, comprising Fritz Harris, Raymond Grant and Marva Bernard, heard JC's case last Friday, November 6, in the boardroom of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association.

Radio Jamaica Sports sources have indicated that JC principal Wayne Robinson attended the hearing alongside the school's board chairman, Lance Hylton, and assistant manager Brandon Samms.

It is understood that the school presented detailed evidence that had not previously been allowed during the proceedings.

However, sources told Radio Jamaica Sports that ISSA had not announced a ruling up to this morning.

The controversy emerged on October 12 when it was reported that the multiple-time Manning Cup champions had breached an ISSA regulation prohibiting athletes who have signed professional contracts from participating in schoolboy competitions, which are reserved for amateurs.

Lyle represented JC in both the Manning Cup and the Walker Cup.

ISSA's executive subsequently met and found the school guilty of fielding the player in its Walker Cup semi-final victory over Mona High.

As part of the disciplinary action, JC was removed from the final against Kingston College, with Mona High, coached by Craig Butler, taking its place.

The school was also handed a one-year suspension from the Walker Cup, beginning next season, while points were deducted from its Manning Cup tally. Lyle was separately barred from ISSA schoolboy football for one year.

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