Five years ago, Sierra Leonean referee Victor Marah died at the Kay tee field in Kingtom while officiating a match between Kroo Bay Community and Falcon 12. The 27-year-old Marah was at the prime of his career, but all efforts to save his life proved futile.
Fast forward to 2023, and community leagues in Sierra Leone are still playing without medics present. This is a serious safety hazard, and local league organizers need to take immediate action to have medics present at all matches.
In the event a player collapses or something similar happens, there is no one on hand to provide immediate medical assistance. This could have fatal consequences, as even minor injuries can be fatal if not treated promptly. Local league organizers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their players and officials. This includes having medics present at all matches.
There are a number of ways to do this, such as partnering with local hospitals or clinics, or hiring private medics. Local league organizers should also work to raise awareness of the importance of having medics present. This could be done through education campaigns, public service announcements, and other outreach efforts.
The death of Victor Marah is a tragic reminder of the importance of having medics present at all sporting events.
We must all work together to ensure that community leagues in Sierra Leone are safe for everyone involved.
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