Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

GAB to guide PBA, PFL in resumption of training


Games and Amusements Board Chairman Baham Mitra is grateful to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for allowing the PBA to conduct scrimmages after weeks of inactivity due to the circumstances brought about by the ongoing pandemic.

Asia’s pioneering pro league finally received the approval for its request Friday with the issuance of IATF Resolution No. 114, clearing the way for teams to hold full practices in areas under general community quarantine and modified GCQ.

Team workouts were stalled as stricter lockdown measures were implemented in Metro Manila and the nearby provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and Laguna late last March due to the surge in COVID-19 cases.

“This move shows that the government has recognized the plight of Filipino professional athletes, especially during these trying times,” said Mitra.

The country’s regulatory body of professional sports is set to convene with the league to discuss health and safety protocols.

Commissioner Willie Marcial had said in a virtual press briefing held hours after the Task Force’s announcement that he will meet with GAB next week for such, as the league has updated its measures before going back into action.

Aside from the PBA, GAB will also meet officials from the Philippines Football League for the same matter. The PFL has also gained the nod of the IATF in conducting practices for its 2021 season, which is targeted to open in July.

“We will sit down with these two professional leagues to discuss the possible guidelines and facilitate the immediate implementation of the IATF’s approval,” said Mitra.

“Of course, the health and safety of our athletes are of paramount importance, so, on our part, we will ensure our compliance with the directives of the IATF.”

GAB is pleased with these developments as it would not only bode well for the two leagues, but for other pro leagues in the country as well.

#ReadMore  Why MVP needed to stand up for TNT

Both the Premier Volleyball League and the National Basketball League-Philippines have applied to gain clearance to have their respective seasons rolling but both leagues are patiently waiting, still.

“This approval is based on the Supplemental Guidelines to the Joint Administrative Order No. 2020-0001 of the PSC, GAB, and the DOH or the guidelines on the conduct of athletic bubble-type training and competition during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” said Mitra.

“This Supplemental Guidelines will also allow all professional sports leagues under the tutelage of GAB to resume training under a bubble modality in GCQ and MGCQ areas.”

Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.


You May Also Like

Basketball

Kevin Murphy will be heading to Jeddah. On Tuesday, it was announced that the 6-foot-6 import has signed with Al-Ittihad.   Tingnan ang post...

Bandwagon Wire

The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) plays an important role in the conduct of professional sports in the Philippines. GAB is the body that...

Basketball

Meralco head coach Norman Black only has immense gratitude to his coaching staff and the entire team for holding the fort during his absence,...

3x3 Basketball

TNT mainstays Samboy De Leon and Lervin Flores are out to maximize the opportunity of a lifetime after being called up by Gilas Pilipinas...

3x3 Basketball

The goal is to make it back to the 5-on-5 competitions, but Joseph Eriobu never expected that playing in the PBA 3×3 would open...

3x3 Basketball

It’s an invitation he won’t ever say no to. Almond Vosotros feels honored to be called up by Gilas Pilipinas once again as he...

3x3 Basketball

Gryann Mendoza was all set to throw in the towel when TNT fell down big to Purefoods in the PBA 3×3 Third Conference Grand...

3x3 Basketball

Two of PBA 3×3’s best are set to slug it out for Third Conference kingship as rivals TNT and Purefoods meet yet again after...

Advertisement