Action precedes reaction

There was much to be made about the fracas that occurred on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the Chili Playing Field, Georgetown, following a football match in the Secondary Schools competition.

At the core of the much- publicized incident, was a fight involving students and parents.

Not to slight the events at the Chili Playing Field on October 15, but there is nothing new under the sun.

This, as fights among students during schools’ sporting events have been with us from time immemorial.

The difference though from then to now, is the presence and prevalence of technology, where the events are recorded and shared for all and sundry to see.

However, one can fully understand the concerns, as we are living in a highly charged anti- social atmosphere where simple disputes often result in tragic or even fatal outcomes.

What unfolded at the Georgetown venue was undoubtedly unsavoury in all forms, but it is a mirror image of the Vincentian society.

What, though, we need at this juncture is not to condemn the youths, as they too are looking for answers themselves. They are finding their way in life; they are searching for identity, hence, are seeking a social niche to get that acceptance and image.

Instead, the adults who found themselves being drawn into the melee, changed the complexion of the scenario. And, this is the sore point in the whole scheme of things.

Unfortunately, though, for some time now, the signs are there that things are going to boil over at these schools’ events. Some persons close to the organisers of these competitions are cognisant of the nuances and the brewing rivalries among some of the schools.

Whilst they have no control over the actions of others, nor can prevent the occurrences, having things in place to thwart the potential dangers are not in train. Hence, we tend to be reactive to situations. We saw what happened last year, when at National Under -17 Football competition match, a referee was attacked. As a consequence, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Referees Association withdrew their services and demanded police protection at the matches. The latter was done and all was well that ended well. Therefore, the organisers of the 2024 Schools Football competition did not follow through on what obtained last year to bring back that level of civility. Facing the realities of the current social landscape is paramount for sports to survive here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

In short, the right measures have to be taken even if that means changing the status quo.

Yes, one is aware that some schools are not fixtured at particular venues because of the potential disruptions because of feuds. Why not then treat every venue in like manner?

Whilst all school sporting events have the probabilities of turning into unpalatable scenes, it is also

well- known that Football possesses the biggest potential for violence.

But the plot deepens, as the sport at the school level is not attracting corporate support as only the negatives make the highlight reel.

Being proactive is the best option in all the routes to stem the flow of violence at Football matches, namely at the schools’ level. School sports brings a particular passion and, compounded by the sub- culture, are the perfect recipe for tensions to get high and eventually boil over.