After thorough studies and direct consultations with the different professional sports organizations in the country, the Games and Amusements Board feels like it is ready for sports and amusement events to return.
GAB officially submitted the ‘Proposed Framework for the Resumption of Professional Sports in the Philippines in Anticipation to the New Normal’ to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases last Saturday.
The 59-page document has been carefully drafted by GAB officials led by Chairman Baham Mitra and Commissioners Eduard Trinidad and Mar Masanguid along with Dr. Jesucito Garcia, Boxing chief; Dr. Redentor Viernes, medical section chief; Ms. Marissa So, horse betting division chief; Mr. Dioscoro Bautista; and leagues such as the PBA and PFF, in order to ensure the safe return of sports due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The proposal shall likewise serve as a guide to help the IATF assess all the risk factors and the earliest but most reasonable time for the resumption of professional sports events, such as boxing, Muay Thai, mixed martial arts, motocross, triathlon and amusement games like horse racing; while taking into consideration the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of Filipino professional athletes and other GAB licensees.
“We are in close coordination with the different professional sports bodies.
“PFF submitted its operational protocols last week, while PBA submitted its own health and safety guidelines last Friday. PFF is proposing to adopt a ‘No spectators rule’ and to shorten football conferences,” said GAB Chairman Abraham ‘Baham’ Mitra.
Meanwhile, Boxing and other contact sports Division Chief Dr. Jesuscito Garcia has proposed a closed-door setting for boxing, mixed martial arts, and Muay Thai events to ensure the safety of professional combat sports athletes and ring officials.
“This initiative is also being done by other industries. We are hoping that DOH and IATF will consider our proposal and the health and safety protocols included therein, in order to help our professional athletes and their families survive this trying time in our nation’s history.”
Also, Dr. Viernes submitted copies of the GAB General Medical Guidelines and Health Declaration Form to the Department of Health last month for initial consideration.
