The Western Regional Secondary Schools Games faced a significant setback when the rugby 7s matches were aborted at the quarter-final stage due to a boycott by referees over non-payment of their refereeing allowances by the Ministry of Education. The referees’ demands for increased payment amounts have left the region’s rugby teams in a precarious position, jeopardizing their chances of participating in the national secondary school games.
The Boycott and Its Impact
On the third day of the competition, referees halted all regional school rugby quarter-final games after the education ministry failed to fulfill their financial obligations. The referees’ demand for increased daily subsistence allowance rates added fuel to the fire, leading to an impasse. The boycott has raised serious concerns among school principals and stakeholders, who fear that the Western region may miss the opportunity to present both boys’ and girls’ rugby teams at the national games set to commence next week in Kisumu City, from July 29 to August 7.
The Regional Games Secretary Speaks
In an exclusive interview with People Sport, Quinto Omusugu, the region’s games secretary, elaborated on the crisis. “After the rugby preliminary games held last Thursday and Friday, July 18 and 19, the referees downed their tools last Saturday over non-payment of their allowances and demands for increased rates by the Ministry of Education. Consequently, the regional rugby quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals, scheduled for last Saturday, were aborted,” Omusugu recalled.
He further disclosed that the rugby matches were called off after negotiations between the regional education ministry officials, the Western Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) chapter, and the referees failed to resolve the issue. The referees’ decision to stop working has left a void that threatens the progression of the region’s teams to the national stage.
The Affected Teams
The aborted quarter-final games, scheduled to take place at Kibabii University Sports Ground, featured some of the region’s top boys’ schools, including Musingu, Chavakali, Kakamega High, St. Peters Mumias, Vihiga Boys, Kimodo Mixed Secondary School from Bungoma County, and last year’s defending champions, Koyonzo Boys. In the girls’ rugby category, the schools affected were Bishop Sulumeti, Madira, Kimono, Moi Girls Kamusinga, Eregi, Mwira Girls, Mbakalo Girls, and Kongit Girls, all from Bungoma County.
The Way Forward
The current situation requires immediate intervention from the Ministry of Education to ensure that the referees’ allowances are paid and their demands are addressed. The regional games secretary, Quinto Omusugu, emphasized the urgency of resolving the issue to prevent further disruptions and to ensure that the region’s teams can participate in the national games.
Stakeholders’ Reactions
The boycott has elicited strong reactions from various stakeholders. School principals, coaches, and players have expressed their disappointment and frustration over the situation. They highlighted the months of preparation and hard work that the teams have put in, only to face uncertainty at a critical juncture. The possibility of missing out on the national games is a devastating prospect for the students who have dedicated themselves to excelling in their sport.
Conclusion
As the national secondary school games draw near, the Western region faces an unprecedented challenge. The referees’ boycott over non-payment and demands for increased allowances has cast a shadow over the region’s rugby competitions. The Ministry of Education must act swiftly to resolve the financial issues and ensure that the region’s teams can compete on the national stage. The outcome of this situation will not only impact the current games but also set a precedent for how similar issues are handled in the future, emphasizing the need for timely and adequate support for school sports programs.
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