Rules are there for a Reason, then Stick to It!

The recent directive from the Minister for Edu­cation to interfere in the decision of a school's sports governing body is downright ridicu­lous.

This move raises a critical question: Do we in Fiji condone actions that defy laws and regulations?

By allowing Bucalevu Secondary School to compete in the Deans quarterfinals, the minister has not only undermined his position but also politicised a matter that should remain impartial. His role as a minister should compel him to respect and uphold the deci­sions made by the governing body in accordance with its established laws and regulations, not the results.

Instead, he has overstepped his boundaries, casting doubt on his commitment to fairness and integrity.

What was the basis of his decision?

The governing body too should also stand firm by its rules and regulations, ensuring that no team is above the law. Bucalevu Secondary School should be pe­nalised again for bypassing the governing body and seeking ministerial intervention. Such actions set a dangerous precedent, suggesting that rules can be bent to suit the interests of a select few.

While the team may have won their match "fair and square", and if the governing body deems that Bu­calevu manipulated regulations, it is only right that they face the consequences.

Does the FSSRU have a data system that records the players representing the various school teams and grades? If yes, then why didn't the officials, prior to Bucalevu's rugby match, raise a red flag then? But if it doesn't, why not? Is the FSSRU still doing things manually?

This incident also raises concerns about the poten­tial for other teams to engage in similar practices. Has Bucalevu's management been exploiting these loopholes for some time?

According to Section 10 of the Fiji Secondary School Rugby Union's (FSSRU) Terms of Participa­tion, a player cannot represent two different teams from the same school within the same season. The argument that an U16 player participated in the Ul 7 grade may seem logical to Bucalevu management, but it remains legally incorrect. The clause clearly states that a player representing two different teams is a violation.

Since the decision to penalise Bucalevu Secondary School was made, many have taken to social media to criticise the "stone-age" clause, calling for its amend­ment. However, any such changes must be addressed during the governing body's annual general meeting. Not through a hasty intervention by a minister.

The timing of the minister's decision is also prob­lematic, coming just one day before the Deans' com­petition begins. This last-minute interference raises questions about whether Bucalevu now has an un­fair advantage. What will happen if the team loses the quarterfinal? Will the minister intervene again to alter the results?

Now the team that must make way for Bucalevu has invested significant effort, training, and sacrifices. Will the minister compensate them for their losses?

The integrity of our school sports must be upheld, and that starts with respecting the rules and the gov­erning body that enforces them.

If Bucalevu is guilty of breaching the rules, they should accept the decision "fair and square".

For heaven's sake, it's just a game.

Feedback: naisak@fijisun.com.fj