The Inter Secondary Schools Sports Association [ISSA] has decided to resume school sports, beginning the week of November 24, following lengthy deliberations on the sensitive issue in the wake of Hurricane Melissa in late October.

Hurricane Melissa brought western Jamaica and high school sports to a halt as several schools were devastated.

The debate as to whether high school sports should resume brought varying opinions in light of the fact that the Corporate Area schools were largely untouched following the passage of Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday, October 28.

However, on Friday, November 14, ISSA announced their decision via a press release.

“Following consultations with its various stakeholders, including participating schools, sponsors, match officials and its general membership, ISSA has decided to resume school sports beginning the week of November 24, 2025,” Issa said.

“ISSA notes that despite the impact of Hurricane Mellisa on a number of its member schools, including some of those currently engaged in our competitions, there was an overwhelming sentiment from these schools, supported by other stakeholders, that we resume our competitions,” it stated.

“ISSA is committed to using its competitions as a tool to aid in the recovery of our students from the physical and psychological impact of Hurricane Melissa. As such, we will be engaging our stakeholders, including the general public, in our post-Melissa competitions’ activities geared towards our Hurricane Relief efforts in support of affected schools,” the statement added.

A full revised format and schedule for Netball [U19 / U16], Basketball [U19 / U16 Boys], and the Manning/Dacosta Cups will be published by Thursday, November 20, 2025.

Meanwhile, a decision was taken to suspend the start of Junior Football Competitions until the start of the Easter Term in January 2026.

The Manning and Dacosta Cup competitions will resume at the Round of 16 stage on Friday, November 28, 2025 and Saturday, November 29, 2025.

“ISSA reiterates its support for our member schools in these challenging times and commits to providing the opportunity for our students to be engaged in wholesome sporting activities as a part of the process of healing and recovery as they attempt to return to normalcy,” the release concluded.