The Editor, Sir:

In response to your Gleaner sports lead story 'JC Coach in Trouble', I think it is important to analyse what Mr Henry is saying and ask yourself some very pertinent questions. Don't just rush out and kill the messenger.

Does the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) regularly review games to see how well the referees performed?

What is the impact of playing matches at 1 p.m. with temperatures on the field probably exceeding 100F?

How do our hard and rough playing surfaces, such as Constant Spring, affect the recovery of our players?

How long does it take to recover from playing three matches in five days?

What is the physiological impact on teenagers 14 to 19 playing such tight schedules?

48 hours FIFA rule

Is the 48 hours FIFA rule more applicable to temperate climates, good fields and for adults?

Has the relevant medical authority been asked for advice as to whether the scheduling is safe?

It is said that it takes weeks for an athlete to recover from a marathon (26.2 miles) that takes just over two hours, hence, athletes seldom run more than two a year. It also takes a considerable time to recover after playing for five hours in five days. Without adequate recovery, our young players will be more suscep-tible to injuries, and their ability to perform in the class-room will be compromised.

I finish by asking one more question: Who should be liable for the failure to take due care of our future sportsmen?

I contend it should be the organising body, ISSA. ISSA should be made accountable to its major stakeholders, the students, and not be a slave to either the sponsor or its own schedule.

I am, etc.

Alan Beckford

Adbbeckford@gmail.com