The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) has another massive decision to make with far -reaching implications for its 2017 Premier Division competition. And, once more, it centres around defending champions Shiva Boys Hindu College and their new recruit, lanky former National Under-20 Team utility player Kierron Mason.
Last week, SSFL aficionados and others were stunned by news that Fyzabad Secondary had been booted out of the top flight schoolboy competition after registering two players—defender and team captain Dez Jones and midfielder Maurice Dick—with examination certificates that had been falsified.

(Courtesy Allan V Crane/CA-Images/Wired868)
On Monday, a two-man panel from the Disciplinary Committee—SSFL general secretary Azaad Khan and North Zone secretary Roger Martin—ruled that Shiva Boys deserved no more than a warning for using Mason in seven league matches before he was properly registered.
The SSFL Constitution states that any player who participates in another Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) affiliated competition after the cut-off date of 31 August must receive special dispensation to play in the schools competition.
Article 16 subsection 4 (a) states: A player, who having been registered and/or is playing with the TTFA or with another League or Association affiliated to the TTFA after 31st August of the current year shall not be eligible to be registered as a player for their school unless they meet the criteria of the Credentials Committee.
4 (b) Any registered player/s of the League who registers and/or plays with the TTFA or with another League or Association affiliated to the TTFA shall immediately lose their registration with the League for the remainder of the season.

(Courtesy Annalisa Caruth/Wired868)
However, Shiva Boys, who are represented by team manager Sheldon Maharaj and principal Dexter Sakal, did not submit the required paperwork to clear Mason—who represented Marabella Family Crisis Centre on 2 September in a Trinidad and Tobago Super League (TTSL) contest—until 6 October.
By then, the “Penal Princes” had played in seven Premier Division matches with Mason featuring in all of them.
The SSFL Constitution stated that the penalty for breach of Article 16.4(a) and 4(b) is: “Loss of points or even suspension from further participation in the League for the remainder of the season, as the Disciplinary Committee may decide.”
However, Khan and Martin, according to an informed source, ruled that: “The spirit of the law would not be to take away all the points from [Shiva Boys].”
And, instead of sanctions, Shiva Boys were “warned” but allowed to keep their points.
Ironically, the SSFL ruled the opposite way when Naparima College protested Mason’s registration in a separate matter earlier in the season.

(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Mason, a former ‘Naps’ student, had been a Shiva Boys schoolboy for barely 48 hours when he came on as a substitute in the defending champions’ opening 2-1 win over Naparima on 8 September.
Article 16 subsection two of the SSFL Constitution states: “The registration of a player with the League must be made in writing at least seventy-two hours before the start of the match in which that player is to take part. This registration must be made with the General Secretary or Zone Secretary.”
The penalty for breaching that rule is: “Loss of game by the offending team. If both teams offend, the game shall be null and void.”
On that occasion, the relevant SSFL committee followed the letter of the law and Naparima were awarded the points.
Fatima College and Queen’s Royal College (QRC) believe the SSFL should again enforce the penalties set out in the constitution, though; and, on Friday 20 October, they appealed the Disciplinary Committee’s decision regarding Mason’s TTSL outing.

(Courtesy Annalisa Caruth/Wired868)
The appeal was signed by Fatima principal Father Gregory Augustine and QRC principal David Simon. It stated:
“It has been brought to our attention that a matter concerning the eligibility of [Kierron] Mason of Shiva Boys Hindu College is under review. Our understanding is that this stems from his having played in the TTSL (Trinidad and Tobago Super League) on 2 September 2017.
“We take this opportunity to direct you to Rule 16.4(a) and 16.4(b) of the SSFL constitution and the penalty assigned for boys registered in or taking part in TTFA affiliated competitions after the 31 August date.
“We await a speedy resolution to this matter and expect that your judgment would be in accordance with the constitution.”
If the appeal against Shiva Boys is successful, it would prompt the fourth change of the Premier Division standings due to off-field issues in this season alone—after the Naps’ decision and the Fyzabad ruling, which was initially the docking of points from the school before the executive committee opted to throw out the “Fyzo Tigers” entirely.

(Courtesy Annalisa Caruth/Wired868)
The impact on the standings would be catastrophic for the reigning champions, as they will immediately drop from fourth to the bottom of the standings. However, with four games remaining in the season, Shiva Boys could still avoid the drop—they would be just three points shy of safety.
QRC, who lost 5-1 to Shiva Boys on 20 September, would move up three places in the standings to sixth and should be assured of avoiding relegation while Fatima, who lost 4-1 to Mason and company on 30 September, will move to fourth.
Nearer to the foot of the standings, Speyside High and Trinity College Moka would get a welcome boost in their survival bids. Speyside would move from 15th to 12th while Trinity Moka would go from 14th to 11th place.
The bottom three teams at the end of the season will join Fyzabad on the sidelines of the Premier Division.
The possible change in standings would be bad news for St Benedict’s College and Signal Hill Secondary, though. St Benedict’s are one spot above the relegation zone at present but would slip to 13th place while Signal Hill would fall from 13th to 14th.
The SSFL is expected to rule on the appeal against Shiva Boys early this week.

(Courtesy Allan V Crane/CA-images/Wired868)
Current SSFL Standings
(Played-Won-Drew-Lost-Goals For-Goals Against-Points)
- Naparima 12-9-2-1-28-11-29
- St Anthony’s 12-8-3-1-39-20-27
- Presentation 10-7-1-2-22-11-22
- Shiva Boys HC 10-6-2-2-26-13-20
- San Juan N 12-4-6-2-25-13–18
- Trinity East 10-5-1-4-19-11-16
- St Mary’s 11-4-3-4-26-25-15
- Fatima 10-6-0-4-14-13-18
- Carapichaima E 12-4-2-5-19-20-14
- St Augustine 11-4-1-6-22-24-13
- QRC 13-4-2-7-21-28-14
- St Benedict’s 11-2-3-6-16-25-9
- Signal Hill 11-2-2-7-11-21-8
- Trinity Moka 10-2-1-7-13-30-7
- Speyside High 13-2-1-10-7–43–7
Adjusted SSFL Standings IF Shiva Boys lose appeal
(Played-Won-Drew-Lost-Goals For-Goals Against-Points)
- Naparima 12-9-2-1-28-11-29
- St Anthony’s 12-8-3-1-39-20-27
- Presentation 10-7-1-2-22-11-22
- Fatima 10-7-0-3-16-9-21
- San Juan N 12-5-5-2-28-13-20
- QRC 13-5-2-6-23-23-17
- Trinity East 10-5-1-4-19-10-16
- St Mary’s 11-4-3-4-26-25-15
- Carapichaima E 12-4-2-5-19-20-14
- St Augustine 11-4-1-6-22-24-13
- Trinity Moka 10-3-1-6-16-28-10
- Speyside High 13-3-1-9-10–38–10
- St Benedict’s 11-2-3-6-16-25-9
- Signal Hill 11-2-2-7-11-21-8
- Shiva Boys HC 10-2-1-7-9-26-7

Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.
I don’t understand the “warning” though
same here.
To quote lok loy “rules is rules” . Why Shiva persisted with the Mason transfer though? They insists they did nothing wrong. On the bright side this is an excellent opportunity to review the current structure of the league and fix the glaring holes. Mr. President seek help and fix the league once and for all Flow give allyuh money fix it!!!! Don’t waste this opportunity it can be fixed
not Flow…Digicel Sportsmax …..Rules are rules it is just that trinis dont like
to follow rules….trinis like to do their own thing and then plead ignorance
CIC,QRC and Fatima constantly churn out students playing SSFL where the average age is 16/17.The majority of whom leave A Level at 18 years with 4 CAPE subjects.SSFL is a Recreational League…remember that..RECREATIONAL.
True it should be recreational but when some schools have big sponsors better than pro league teams and management consisting of professional coaches, physio trainers that gets a hefty packet then it’s not recreational anymore. It’s all about being the top dawg.
Btw Shiva have majority of its players from lower forms as the current team has been under 16 Champs 2 years ago. There will always be an additional player or two just like ALL schools.
No problems with sponsors etc…let us grow the talent throughout the forms and insist on developing the talent at our schools..all the time playing by the rules.A player with proper accredition can transfer but it must not be for football/recreation…It must be for education and have as a primary concern education.18 years and 1 /2 subjects…Get Real..That is ABUSE of the player…PRO League for him and develop your football at a club.
CIC,QRC and Fatima not importing for football……so Not Like All Schools….Do Not Bring That by Me.Name one from either school in last 20 years..Dare you!!!
I did not accuse those schools named by yourself importing players. Maybe you should check if QRC allegedly imported a player or two from StAnthony’s last season team. I will leave it there. ALL schools import student players.
Love the word student/player.I cannot fathom the constant abuse of players who are used by schools and abused gor a year or 2 and leave with nothing to show for 2 years at 20 years of age and underprepared for life.Nsh man…We Must Stop this ABUSE of our talent.Have a reserve league for U21s with a Real chance to do U23 /Olympic duty to channel to National team…..That is some start to a budding footballer.
Agreed with under U 21 National league also reduced SSFL max age from 20 to 19.
A 19 year old dhould be playing U21 but we can discuss that.Np
Ian Brooks I cannot comment on what is happening now but I know that in the late 80’s and early 90’s there were some unusual transfers at CIC, QRC & Fatima……………granted it tended to be the exception and not the rule
Morning Nigel…please be specific and call a name so we can add validity to it.I represented the school up to 1980 and it did not happen in my time.Let us not cast aspersions without calling names of players and the school.
In pre- 1980s importation of players were fewer then but it did happen. My brother school team mates were recruited then by prestige schools. It’s happening a long time but maybe in fewer numbers then.
Names of players and schools involved?Do better than that nah
That has already happened. I pointed out one at QRC. Do some research.
Stop playing games and name people…give thecname or stop wasting time.
Ian as a former CIC student betweem 86 and 93, I can tell you that a few people got transferred in for reasons none other than football.
Around 91/92, the QRC coach was also the National U15 coach and there were about 3 or 4 footballers who got transferred into QRC from that National team.
I prefer not to call specific names
I hear you but i do not appreciate what you are not prepared to substantiate.
Where you have teachers engaging in falsification of documents , young men being led astray and parents operating in an environment devoid of parental checks you then have players being used as slaves and taking up a space for more deserving students…more than that ,apart from just playing what benefit do these players get from playing?Do these games improve tgeir football or careers?
Brooks, you talking about the impact or lack thereof on their football careers. What about being “coached” by their elders/caregivers/mentors(?) that it’s ok to do the wrong thing? Altho this bringing in talent is not specific to T&T school sports – particularly football (as we see in NCAA-sanctioned sports in the US) – we Trinbagonians are all too happy to cut a corner and disobey the rules/law. That’s why we get “let them play nah”.
The rules are there to be followed. If you do not abide by the rules there are consequences.
That is why we are in this position as a country….Rules and their application equal to Bitching…SMFH…Dem good yesssss!!!! Suspend them too.Learn to play by the RULES
I truly hope all schools play by the rules, we know that not all are truly honest over the decades.
U know what killing me is that these so call prestige school could get away with any thing cause they r covered but deep south school have no help but their cannot beat u on the field so look for free three points study just so sickening ,god u alone knows wee
Hmmm I think this is abit too much now
Girl them trying to destroy these boys just come out n say we dont want shiva boys in this football
What I really want to say I can’t because my son goes to you know where but who hv more corn feed more fowls
True this is d worst football ever n it making outside news ,destroying people children moral n to d people who only reading n talking ah hole lot of S,,,,,,,stop it its children we destroying n big hard back men behind this if i fedup u doh thing these boys fedup it over bearing now ,u c all off ah sudden fyzo gone y ,pick sense outof nonsense,o gosh they go sell they soul boy very sad ,,very sad n disgusting
This really seems unfair.. someone really need to get to the bottom of this ridiculous fight down ..
Rules were made only for shiva boys hindu collage i guess
If this wasn’t such an emotional issue for these player.. it would be hilarious. . As the fight down is clearly prejudice!
Rules are rules!
Bull crap rules is only for d hindu school
Do you think it it fair for players to compete at a higher (competition) level than the average school football player in a competition designed for school football players. That’s like professionals playing amateurs. Where is the sport in that? It’s understandable tht you guys, the school’s supporters would be upset but your team has an unfair advantage. I think tht Shiva could beat some of these teams without tht player. So why take the chance. Blame who put him on the field. And if any of the other teams in the league is doing it now, sort them out too.
The same applies if I take primiere league players and play them in senior grade or even a lower age group. But no laws to affect that though. Yet the boys can’t play at a higher level than SSFL. Hypocritical if u ask me.
Yes but Shiva got the green light to play d little boy n because naps protest u take ah whole game n give it to them ,that come n done ,take way shiva home ground without warning ,we never had no fight or noting ,,no one came n inspect our ground to redemmed it an unfit ground ,but u go moka it like ah damp ,trinity in ah mess ,anthony full ah water ,fight with naps n pres ,fight in fyzo n pres ,caps n pres fight all these games police had to b called in ,san juan well that is ah whole different madness who intemidating d reff ,but as i say no fight in shiva games d supporters behaving n shiva just cutting people tail ,so that is ah problem fight d indian school from penal them not supposed to b good nor b on top SSFL is d worst better they just come out n say Shiva we doh want no hindu school in d football
I wonder if ppl see the level of ball these schools play ,talent in every corner u can’t tell between professional & amateurs especially when teams compete against Shiva we bring out d best in all teams I c the problem here is jealousy ,nothing else not jealousy nobody told the other players not to up their football level don’t hate on Shiva but appreciate what they bring to d table which is talent , skills ,beats ,u name it excellent goal keeper & d list goes on I tell u Shiva fever gone to these ppl brain oi
I am just here watching and praying wii….. These ppl are trying all how to make us lose our sanity yes
see how u bad
Fed up of the bitching in the league. School football is already sub standard. Let the boys play dread
This season is going to be remembered for all the controversy. I have a feeling some schools just know how to hide things better then the rest.
that too….but some follow the rules because schools are supposed to be places of learning and not a football club….but like many learning to do the wrong things but vex when they get caught but guess what Trini is not a real place….allyuh really good yes….
Sorry to disappoint you I have no horse in the race. Over the last two seasons this thing is now a pappy show for a trophy which means nothing. The schools are using the kids. That’s the issue.
Yes…some schools are using the youth but parents allowing it….
I was now going to say where are these kids parents that are allowing this stupidness.
Good question I hope you get the answer you want….
naps was in 10th place how come dey reached on top is real fight down er… lasana liburd
Madness yes.
so alu on Shiva boys now alu give fyzo a lil rest wat these south sch do alu becos they so gd so ual trying to get rid of dem alu want the north sch to take the title dem fatima and qrc priest dey is batti man they appealin g like they wearing dem nun panti let dey get a life like money pass alu wait plenty games played to do alu crap like sch football is not worth the sacrifice again and a lot off classes u missing out to trained and be gd and den for this to happened alu turn everything upside down because of two players or one u banning a whole team shame on ual
Let’s just keep playing matches though…
Cause obviously it’s better to not know what’s really going on in your league and just adjust points multiple times than take a break and sort things out.
People have become so lawless in T&T that when you looking to punish lawbreakers, they up in arms against you. If I were to follow the logic of some of the posts here, the police would be wrong for charging a person with a crime if they didn’t catch that person in the act of committing said crime. ‘Low dem nah!!
Issues re: eligibility of players in the SSFL have been in existence since the start of the league I’m certain, so don’t come down on the league’s governing body for trying to enforce the rules. New dispensation. Come down on the schools that running afoul of the law.
Oh gosh boi. The days of winning on the field are over it seems
More confusion to affect the standings.
Satan real busy ,but who in d pot really feels d fire ppl commenting & HV not even been to a game not everything u read is tru ,y big ppl does get on so sm minded talking about what good for 1 good for all steups
Yeah. Satan real busy….
Boi everyday is something wee smh
God don’t sleep
Mucurapo paid dearly last year. Why should Shiva get away with A WARNING. More in the pot than the pot spoon.
Yeahhh
Rell fight down boi brother
What madness is this?!?
CJ, boy….
Buh wah chubble is dis?? Best d teams and dem eh play… jus wait to protest illegitimate players!!
Them on rell shit Jed
I tell you this is nothing new. Let the games begin
Really? Technicalities to improve positions? I do not see it that way. Rules are rules and if they are broken a price must be paid whenever it is brought to light. Cheaters cannot be crying foul if relegated. Some administrators are not doing any fact checking to avoid all these problems. So let the chips fall where they may.
Well said Allison. Rules are rules and breaches are breaches Was waiting to see when this would be made public. It’s not like Shiva didn’t know. The fact that the SSFL thinks they should only “be warned” is alarming. Is this a case of “some animals being more equal than others”?
If u all doh know shot all your trap their n two sides to a story n i doh know y d hell SSFL doh just come out n say what is d real problem with shiva boys hindu college ,i real sick n fed up of them i think is time that shiva boys n its supporters call d press n share light to this crap that has been going on for years not every thing u read u belive i real real fed up now ,come out n say u doh want d hindu school in all your dash intercol
Shelly Ann u not fed of them too is children life u all trying to mess up because of favor
Girl for big ppl I find they needs to kn before they speak Neva been to a game don’t even kn nun about d team but jumping up to talk rubbish I fed up of these bush lawyers & d mood I in plz I beg plz cm for me let me trip off
Shiva is a force to be reckon with ,but talent is given from god not man points cud take dat talent god gave them that talk rubbish they will continue doing that Shiva they will hurt hearts #say no more
Allison, the only way you can get in trouble is if you violate one of the rules. I agree with you.
Rene Rave
Alot of school doing all kind ah thing but as i always say u will never know cause it have forces covering them
So because other schools breaking the rules and haven’t been caught yet, ignore Shiva who allegedly got caught? Alyuh could talk shit yes.
Allison I actually was referring to St Benedict’s who has dropped and they didn’t break any rules.. same with the Fyzabad incident they lost 3 hard earned points and were guilty of nothing really.. this is the part I thought unfair , now admittedly my school would probably protest such incidents as well but it still seems a pity how these end of season decisions affect the other teams
Allison you are so correct….trinis feel it is ok to keep doing the wrong things….and it have nothing to do with a Hindu school as some saying..
Well said Allison! People can make all the excuses they want but regulations are regulations. Last season Real Madrid were booted out of the domestic cup for fielding an ineligible player. If we want the sport to grow we need to follow the guidelines like the big boys do.
What d hell really going on in school football boi?….winning at all and every cost seems to be main subject being taught
St Benedict’s won 3 games, against fyzo, caps and moka. They also drew 3, so shouldn’t they be on 12 points?
When Fyzabad were suspended, all results against them became null and void. So Benedict’s lost those points.
The rules should apply to All.
Smh
it may happen but managers need to manage….like the inmates running the asylum. ..
Lol true. It is imperative that managers inform, educate and police these students when they not partaking in school football to ensure that they are not purposely in inadvertently breaking the SSFL rules
Manage …we just cant keep pleading ignorance .. we just cant go on this way ..big team …small team…rules must be applied…
we get too damn accustom to doing the wrong things….
That’s not all more to come,stay tuned
Like u know something Carol John
Yes,,, there are issues with other schools, these issues there long and taking,long to come out, these issues with fyzo and Shiva were whispered since around game day 2; so sad
But all of ah sudden because fyzo look like they gonna b a problem on the field for d so call prestige school it comes ,out now shiva on d other hand fear is ah hell of another thing ,victimization is another it got two sides to this story n no body knows ,but as I always say God is the one appoint n disappoint we may not understand but later days to come we all gonna c
I feel that schools end up registering players without the knowledge that the players are playing in other leagues. Some players hide the info. Not saying that happened in this case with Mason
Manage…SAY IT…..Hahahaha
Lol
How Naps not in any bacchanal…..and people say so many things about them….or should I say …”YET”
I believe some schools have coaches or managers that have a bit more experience and understand the rules a bit more.
It dont have much to understand all one has to do is read the rules it is clear.. principals are the ultimate managers of all school teams.
Agreed. Just was trying to say it is a bit harder to things behind a coach like Mr. Eve who is a bit more footed in knowing of players and their doings.
yeah…all the talk about Naps .Angus not stupid..they not in any bacchanal….Pres experienced protest action last year….but when you break the rules and get caught be prepared to suffer the consequences….
Hassan C Araujo ahhh, like you know what’s coming..
no i dont but it has become a norm in trini and the shit have to stop…..
By the way Lasana.. thank you for bringing this out now I know that I asked you about any pending issues you investigated and now it out.
Looks like the SSFL stands for Strictly Studying Football Last!
Sad year in school football
yeah manage we ask kids to do the right things but it is the adults that faultering and dishonesty rampant. . Trini life
Can’t even be honest in the smallest things.
Much like the recent flooding in my side of the country, it looks like the rivers of protest and bacchanal within the SSFL will burst the banks of public trust and tolerance! Another off-the-field scandal that will undoubtedly upset the league yet again.
This looks like it may end up in a courtroom before the year is out. SSFL needs to get their proverbial sh*t together and deal with these matters definitively and consistently. The reputation of this league is already in tatters.
was waiting for somebody to make this about the tong schools vs the “new” schools…SMFH
not about town schools..East Mucurapo is a town school the protest against them last year was initiated by St Benedicts…so …allyuh really good yes
Shit been going on for years. Now that the boys club schools not on top, its a scandal. Joke yes
the boys club schools not on top for years now so it is not that….
How Kierron Mason reach on the team list ?
If he wasn’t properly registered 72 hours prior to, how could he have ended up on the team list and issued a pass ? Or does he have a pass…
It is a shame that school teams look for technicalities as a way to improve their position in the standings.. while schools like St Benedict’s while struggling with a change in coaching staff will be penalized while not being the worst team this season.. these issues should have a deadline to be dealt with, and decisions not made at the end of the season
It was St Benedict’s who protested against a Mucurapo East student last season though. St Benedict’s won the protest and Mucurapo East were relegated…
Lasana I saying the protest itself is wrong but regardless of who is protesting it is unfair when decisions are made this late.. why aren’t these issues brought forward earlier.. this issue was a point before and probably would not have been an issue if said teams won against Shiva.. why didn’t they back the initial protest ?
Why who didn’t back the initial protest? The school disagreed with the decision and appealed. I’m not sure what you mean there.
Yes, it is rough when decisions are made so late in the season. It happened last season too of course. But whose fault is that?
I don’t understand.. why wouldn’t Fatima and QRC object to the ruling before their respective losses to Shiva?? It clearly was an issue all teams were aware of early on
Why do you think every school in the division knew who Kierron Mason did and didn’t play against in another competition altogether? Maybe they did and maybe they didn’t. I wouldn’t speculate. It was Shiva Boys’ business to know and act accordingly though, right?
I agree with Tisha have a time limit for these grievances. And I hope by next season PROPER checks and balances are instituted
No time limit is needed. As soon as credible information is found, object. Why should teams following the rules be punished. Hats off to QRC & Fatima, they still cannot reach the top.
Lasana but that’s what I’m saying it was something that was made public with the first protest by NAPS..
Tisha-Marie, the first protest by Naps was about the 72 hour rule. That was not related to the protest about Mason playing in a different competition after the cut-off date.
Ahh I misunderstood I thought it was the same issue being appealed
Nah, it is related to the same player but it is a different matter entirely.
Lasana I never knew there was so much intrigue and drama in the SSFL until my son got to high school.. what are we really teaching these young men
That appeal was made in timely manner. However the decision was delayed so that people might forget. Trini thing…
Finally, some understanding, two seperate issues.
Allison you do understand my concern was for the teams who don’t break rules but lose points anyway though
Lasana would the player have to tell the school that he’s playing in the super league, or would they just have to know by whatever means. What is the process?
These adult ‘leaders’ ….what an example to the youth !!!!
So nobody bothers to read the rules of the league….Strange that is only schools out of town getting in trouble like the school administrators need educating also….what a thing…
Not sure geography has anything to do with it.
I know that but it is unfortunate….administrators killing sport
so SSFL is saying it lost ANOTHER team??
https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/43a9feda-7898-479c-95c1-7317a4f7b179#SkrGHw_caZ.copy
Somebody seriously eh doing dey wuk !!!
Yep…the managers….principals…and the two from the credentials committee ….
Seems cut and dried to me. Who are the representatives on the appeals committee, by chance?
Will tell you tomorrow.
Sad victory at any price ? Sad