DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST OFFICIALS AND TEAMS FOR BAD CONDUCT IN TOURNAMENTS

Mr Tay Boon Too asked the Minister for Education what action has been taken to deal with (i) players and officials who beat up referees at tournaments sponsored by the Schools' Sports Council at both school and district levels; and (ii) school teams which displayed bad conduct at national tournaments; and what measures have been taken to prevent similar occurrences.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, as far as this Ministry is aware, there was only one incident in the Basketball National Championship Tournament sponsored by the Combined Schools' Sports Council this year. The referee's decision during a keenly-contested match between two schools was not well received by some spectators. In the melee that ensued when the spectators invaded the court, a coach was alleged to have assaulted the referee. The coach denied this allegation of assault, but nevertheless apologised to the referee concerned.

The Basketball Convenors Committee has recommended to the Singapore Combined Secondary Schools' Sports Council that in future tournaments:

(a) Officials and players must adhere strictly to the decision of the referee. A team will be disqualified for the whole tournament if any violence breaks out as a result of the non-acceptance of the referee's decision.

(b) Principals must place great emphasis on good sportsmanship and discipline among their teachers, pupils and players throughout the tournament.

These recommendations were conveyed to all school principals.

My Ministry takes a very serious view of any misconduct by teachers and pupils during sports competitions. In future, such misbehaviour will be dealt with severely and any teacher or pupil found guilty may be dismissed from service or expelled from school.