29/06/2024
"The safety of football referees in South Sudan is critical, and ensuring their protection requires strong leadership and decisive action"
Vol_ No 1
//Opinion// on the safety of football referees in South Sudan
Opinion By Baraka John: [A student of Literature with the South Sudan Catholic university also a trained referee under Yambio local football association as well a broadcasting journalist] Email: [email protected]
Being a football referee in South Sudan is an extraordinarily perilous task, akin to navigating a thin line between life and death. This role carries immense challenges in a country plagued by severe economic instability, widespread starvation, persistent conflict, and low literacy rates. Against this backdrop, enforcing the rules of the game becomes a daunting and often dangerous endeavor.
The recent Friday's incident in the game morning serves as a stark illustration. During a match between Napere and Tarawa residential areas at Yambio freedom square on 28th June 2024, in the on-going 5th edition of Yambio inter area tournament, a center referee faced brutal assault. The atmosphere was charged with tension, and the spectators appeared primed for violence, ready to target match officials at the slightest perceived error.
[Football fans wanted to stone a center referee in Yambio]
For referees in South Sudan, matches are not just about officiating; they involve navigating through a minefield of heightened emotions, frustration, and at times, outright hostility. The fans, grappling with the daily hardships of life, often channel their frustrations onto the football pitch, where referees become easy targets for their discontent.
[Football fans invaded field of play after a decision by central referee went astray against Hai Tarawa residential area]
In such an environment, every decision made by a referee carries weight beyond the game itself. It can spark unrest, violence, and in extreme cases, jeopardize personal safety. Despite these immense challenges, referees continue to brave these conditions, driven by a passion for the sport and a commitment to uphold fairness, even in the face of grave personal risk.
Thus, being a football referee in South Sudan transcends the boundaries of sportsmanship; it embodies a courageous act in the midst of adversity, where the pursuit of the game's spirit is entwined with the struggle for survival and dignity.
To Ensure the safety and protection of football referees from harm by football fans requires a multifaceted approach, these include:
1. Increased Security Measures: Implement enhanced security protocols at football matches, including the presence of trained security personnel both inside and outside stadiums or in an open playground. This should involve collaboration between football authorities, local law enforcement agencies, and stadium management.
2. Education and Awareness Campaigns: Conduct educational programs and awareness campaigns aimed at fans, players, and community members to promote respect for referees, teach the 17 laws of the game and emphasize the consequences of violence or intimidation. This can be done through workshops, social media campaigns, and community outreach events.
3. Strict Enforcement of Regulations: Enforce strict penalties and disciplinary measures against individuals or clubs involved in threatening or harming referees. This should be supported by transparent disciplinary processes and accountability mechanisms within football associations.
4. Support Systems for Referees: Provide adequate support systems for referees, including psychological support, training on conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques, and access to legal assistance if needed. This can help referees feel more secure and empowered to perform their duties effectively.
5. Collaboration with Stakeholders: Foster collaboration among football associations, government authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and fan groups to collectively address safety concerns and develop sustainable solutions.
6. Technology and Monitoring: Explore the use of technology, such as CCTV cameras and real-time monitoring systems, or hire video journalist to be recording crucial moments of incidences. This can enhance security and quickly respond to incidents. This can deter potential violence and provide evidence for legal proceedings if necessary.
7. Continued Evaluation and Adaptation: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of safety measures and adapt strategies based on feedback from referees, fans, and other stakeholders. Continuous improvement is key to ensuring long-term safety and protection.
By implementing these strategies in a coordinated manner, football associations and stakeholders can work towards creating a safer environment where referees can perform their roles without fear of harm or intimidation from fans.
📷 Credits Baraka john
