Education Ministry scraps Under-12 school sport competitions
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However, the decision will not affect schools cricket, which begins from Under-13 category
The Ministry of Education has taken a decision to take off the schools and junior Under-12 age category from competitive level. This decision was confirmed with the amended Schools Sports Development Circular of 34/2016 was enacted after being sanctioned by the Secretary to the Ministry of Education.
Accordingly school sports events beginning from the Under-14 category, under the supervision of sports medical doctors, educational instructors and selected parents, will be allowed to under strict health guidelines. All sports events will be allowed to resume at competitive level from Under-14, Under-16, Under-18 and Under-20, but in the Under-12 age category events will be allowed only as friendly or for merit of participation.
The decision to scrap the competitiveness in the Under-12 age category came following serious and long term observations made by education and child psychologists, who had recommended that children should not be pressed and stressed for wins from a very young age. A senior official of the Ministry of Education, however recalled that the decision was made years back, but could not enact as mandatory due to continuous pleas from different parties.
“There is no restriction in for children of the Under-12 age category from training or taking part in events. Sports events can be held for them, but without winners or championships. We are planning of issuing a qualification level for this age group, so that anyone who reaches that level will be presented with a certificate of participation and a system where their schools will receive points,” the official stated.
Though the restriction will be strictly adhered from the recommencement of school sports from this month, the rule was introduced years back after many schoolchildren either fell terribly sick or on certain occasions lost lives. But officials of selected sports, that are less stressful for children, objected to this decision.
However, the current decision will not affect schools cricket according to sources, as Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association conducts tournaments for Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19.