Sanctions for Unfair Sporting Practices

Education Minister, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, is warning that there will be sanctions for school administrators involved in unfair sporting practices, such as match fixing and bribing.

“Playing for money is not for school boys. Fixing matches, throwing games, bribing or buying aspirant athletes, even from the primary school, to boost your team (is not for the school system),” he emphasised.

“These practices are wrong and there are going to be sanctions for school personnel who engage in them,” Rev. Thwaites added.

The Minister was speaking at Campion College’s inaugural Archbishop Samuel Carter Lecture, held at the St. Andrew school on January 8. The lecture was held as part of the institution’s Founders’ Week celebrations.

Rev. Thwaites said match fixing and other illegal sporting practices have no place in the school system and must be weeded out before they further disrupt school life.

He emphasised that there needs to be a change in the culture at some schools, particularly where sports is given priority over academic pursuits.

The Minister noted that sports of all kinds are excellent contributors to personal development, but stressed that sporting success should not be given priority over academic achievement.

“Healthy competition is good; winning at all costs is not. Making sports the most important element in school life to the detriment of balanced academic progress is not what we want,” Rev. Thwaites said.