Horace Reid... called on teams to reinforce security at match venues. - file

General Secretary of the Jamaica Football Federation, Horace Reid, has called on members of the Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA) to reinforce security at match venues.

Reid's call comes in the wake of a recent attack against a match official at a KSAFA Super League match between Elletson Flats and Constant Spring at the UWI Bowl. The referee, Shane Harrison, was struck on the left side of his face by an object which was thrown onto the playing area. This resulted in lacerations to his left cheek and lips. The referees withdrew their services after the incident.

The JFF general secretary, at a meeting last Friday, warned clubs that the federation views any damage or physical harm to a match official as a serious offence and 'will receive the full punishment as outlined in the rules that govern the competition.'

In a release the JFF also said greater use will be used of video evidence in arriving at decisions in relation to disciplinary action to be taken against players or match officials.

The following is the full release from the JFF: With the second round of play in the Cash Plus Premier League set to begin on Wednesday, December 19, and in light of recent occurrences involving the safety/security of teams and officials the Jamaica Football Federation competitions committee met with the Premier League Clubs Executive on Friday, December 14.

In addressing the meeting, general secretary Horace Reid strongly encouraged the PLCA members to ensure the following measures are in place at all games (CPPL & U-21) effective December 19.

- Home Teams are to assign runners / liaison officers to assist the match commissioners. This applies to the CPPL and the Coca-Cola National U-21 League

- Home teams are to ensure the complete security of the property belonging to visiting teams and match officials. This includes securing vehicles and other personal effects.

- He reiterated that any damage to or physical harm inflicted upon a match official will be deemed as a serious offence and will receive the full punishment as outlined in the rules that govern the competition.

- Greater use will be made of video evidence in arriving at appropriate final decisions in relation to disciplinary action to be taken on players or match officials. Additionally, the disciplinary action coming from the video review may also include actions which went unpunished during regular game play.

- The general secretary requested that clubs revisit existing security measures and institute new ones where necessary. He suggested that members within the clubs' communities be encouraged to give their support to all security measures.

The general secretary expressed the federation's condemnation of the recent attack on local referee, Shane Harrison. The Jamaica Football Federation wishes for Mr. Harrison a speedy recovery and anticipates his resumption of duties on the field of play.