The National A Division Boys Squash Championship is now on hold because the eligibility of one player from Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) is in question.
Bryan Koh, a Year 4 IB student, who turns 16 in September 08, was initially cleared to play in the A Division for ACS(I). A formal complaint was lodged by another competing junior college and Bryan was subsequently banned from playing in the A Division. At that point, ACS(I) had qualified for the A Division semi-final to meet Hwa Chong Institution. As a result of the appeals process, the whole championship is now on hold. May 2 was the original date of the boys’ A Division Final.
With concerns usually focused on over-aged players taking advantage of younger ones, this is one case where a younger than usual player is taking on and beating 17 and 18 year olds. Last year’s eligibility rules apparently state that A Division players need to be in the age range of 16 to 18 years old. A new set of eligibility rules were apparently published online in January 2008 stating that as long as the player is under 20 years of age, he or she can play in the A Division.
Said Bryan: “It’s been dragging on for a few weeks and it’s quite tiring for both the team and myself. We are still training four times a week. My school teacher broke the news to me. It wasn’t an exact ban. The championship was put on hold because of my case. I was told verbally at the C Division squash final and then a letter was sent two weeks later to my school. We sent two letters asking for an explanation, one letter from my father and one from the whole team.”
Bryan was in the national training squad but dropped out earlier this year to concentrate on his studies.
And how does he feel about the whole episode? “It’s emotionally draining because prior to the tournament, I was cleared to play. During the exam period, it was hard to concentrate because this thing was dragging on.”
Bryan is usually rated as a first or second seed for his school team which comprises one 17-year-old and five 18-year-olds.
When asked what his wish was for the final outcome, his request was simple. “I want to continue as per normal, I want to play for my A Division team.”
After reading all the comments, all that is needed to be said has been said. It is quite clear that the decision made for Bryan to play should stand as i see no reason why he SHOULD NOT or CANNOT.
Eventually, the decision was made to allow him to play and i hope that no grudges be made but lessons be learned from such a case. And that any disputes to be settled fair and square in squash courts.
LING,
thanks for your well-wishes.
as for the word ‘evil’ , its used metaphorically.
sorry if i had sent the wrong vibes.
me, juz love school sports.
cheers
hahah, BB, no offense, but arent you like way too over with your judgement?
EVIL?
anway, bryan’s allowed to play again, and not surprisingly, acsi defeated those schools that complain, where all disputes should have been settled, the squash courts:D
and MOE clarified that bryan’s case should not happen again.
seems like a happy ending?haha, cant wait for the finals. goodluck aci.
i doubt they need it actually, many people out there already know that they are going to win it.
Looks like evil CANNOT prevail against righteousness.
Bryan Koh for the A Div WIN!!!!!
haiz…it seems like…MOE/CCAB should have a set of rules stating clearly the age limit 4 every division from now on…this will reduce confusion.
2ndly…i see no harm in allowing a younger player take on older players…if that younger player can win..that shows his/her ability
3rdly..if spore ever wants to excel in Olympics, Asia games or even e SEA games…then there really shldnt be any argument about this at all…i mean in international competition…dun younger players take on older and more experienced players? so if spore really wan 2 excel…they shld start allowing the younger players take on e older players..cuz this will allow them 2 really SEE who e gd ones are