Following the postponement of this past weekend’s matches a meeting was held on Tuesday evening March 1st between Executive Officers of the Bermuda Football Association (BFA) consisting of President Mark Wade, 1st Vice President and Chairman of Competitions Committee Shannon Burgess, 2nd Vice President and Chairman of Referees Committee Crenstant Williams and David Sabir, General Secretary and Bermuda Referee Association (BRA) President D. Lloyd Christopher, Vice President Dwight Jackson, and Zayna Foggo, BRA Treasurer.
The meeting addressed misunderstandings regarding roles and responsibilities of clubs, referees, disciplinary procedures, match day operations, and the overall position of the BFA regarding anti-social behavior among players and fans. There was unanimous agreement that we must continue tackling those elements that negatively impact football and we call upon the football family to play their role in safeguarding football as we move closer to the end of the season.
Following the meeting, the BRA representatives called an emergency meeting of their members whereby they decided to resume officiating as of Saturday, March 5th.
The incident at the Devonshire Recreation Club highlighted that we can’t lessen our resolve against activities that undermine the significance of football to many people throughout our community. Clubs are reminded of their duty to protect their environments and to ensure that match day protocols are adhered. Spectators are reminded that they have a role to play in preserving community integrity and to respect one another as football matches are not the place to demonstrate bad behavior. Players are reminded to exhibit fair play and respect the Laws of the Game. Referees have a duty to administer the Laws of the Game. If everyone played their part, then the football season can continue and come to a successful completion without any further interruptions.
The BFA also wishes to make it abundantly clear that it abhors the behavior displayed that resulted in football coming to a temporary halt. The reports of the incidents are being collated and the file prepared for submission to the BFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee to consider sanctions for any breaches and offences committed.
