Problems identified with JFF branding policy

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

There seems to be a few problems with the recently drafted Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) branding policy, issues that most likely will lead to the reconvening of the committee that was established to create the document in the first place.

The draft document was handed over to the JFF hierarchy earlier this month by the Dale Spencer-chaired committee and was immediately passed on to the federation's legal advisors for review and inspection.

Several issues were identified by the JFF's legal team and there is now a consideration for the submission of a temporary document, which will be used until the policy has been completed - a recommendation that was initially made by Spencer's committee at the start of their deliberations last October.

Inclusive effort

It is not clear if the committee will feature the same individuals from the original group, but JFF General Secretary Horace Reid, confirmed the delay and also pointed out that the Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA) has also received a copy of the draft, in an inclusive effort from the JFF.

"So far, based on the feedback we have received (on the policy), it seems that there is some additional work needed on it. That is the initial feedback that has come from our attorneys and we also have received some feedback from the PLCA. The committee may be reconvening soon," said Reid.

"A copy was forwarded for their (PLCA) review and I have invited their feedback as well, as you would appreciate at this point, given the experiences we have had so far in terms of conflict," he added.

Without going into any details about the major issues that have been identified by the legal team, Reid noted that there were concerns about the general language used in the document.

"At this point in time the general feedback is that the policy needs to be a little bit more specific as it relates to the practical situation on the ground," said Reid.

In the meantime, Reid shared that the federation is exploring an earlier recommendation to prepare and circulate a temporary document, while the final policy is being prepared.

"I'm hoping that we can have something ready because the intention of the policy was for it to be completed in time to address any situation that was likely to come up, especially with these competitions. We are going to have to move double time to get this done," Reid said.

"When the committee had convened for the first time last year in its initial meeting, it was recommended that we look at a temporary policy while we try and flesh out something that is more structured. That may still be on the cards."

With the Claro/KSAFA Jackie Bell Knockout match between Harbour View and Tivoli Gardens set for the Edward Seaga Sports Complex tomorrow, a venue that has been in the centre of a media branding war between Claro and their rivals Digicel, all eyes will be fixed on how things play out there.

Tivoli Gardens, who are sponsored by Digicel, could not arrive at an agreement with KSAFA over the displaying of the Digicel advertising boards at their home ground during a Claro-sponsored competition. That was just one of a list of branding-war incidents that have spilled over into the sporting realm.

The document is expected to regulate commercial partnerships between local clubs and their sponsors, in an effort to stamp out similar clashes in the future.