Athletes playing under 16 in primary scraped

The ministry of education and sports has opted to eliminate athletes who participate under 16 years as it has been the norm during the National Primary School’s Championships.

This is as a result of some schools using over 16 learners to participate in games meant for the teenagers.

The commissioner physical education Rev Canon Duncan Mugumya said the move is to reduce the number of the participating athletes from U-16 to U- 14 this year.

“As a ministry of education and sports, we found that the age of 16 is not in primary, because children in a primary setting a child is expected to join primary one at the age of six years which means that a child is expected to finish primary seven at the age bracket of 13 and 14 years which becomes complicated to have children U-16 participate in primary championships,” said Mugumya.

According to Mugumya, the National sports Act article 48, cap (3) the age for primary competitions is up to 14 years not sixteen.

“We shall not seat and watch ineligible athletes take part in the National primary schools’ championships because it will deny young athletes’ chance to showcase their potential,” he noted.

Paul Musigire, the chairperson Uganda primary school’s sports association said in this year’s nationals the association will move away from the previous way of measuring and weighing athletes as a prerequisite to participate in the national meet.

“We notice that measurements of height and weight of athletes will not be applied in this year’s Nationals to be hosted in Kitgum districts for athletics and Soroti district for ball games because it was not given the right age, “he said.

Musigire said previously Uganda primary schools’ sports association could consider a child eligible to take part, after considering the final unit got out of a formula of their weight, then half weight and the added to the height, and the final result is the unit considered.

“This time we are moving away from that method of work but will be looking at the players database with the help of Uganda Secondary schools’ sports USSSA which will help to register all kids online.

Micheal Oloko, Amuria district sports officer, said use of the players database will help in producing eligible players for the right category.