UAAP Season 88 Basketball Commissioner Jai Reyes has issued a firm statement addressing recent concerns on coaches’ conduct and officiating, underscoring the league’s commitment to accountability, fairness, and respect among all participants.
Reyes opened by reaffirming the league’s respect for the voices of coaches, noting that their insights are vital to the growth of varsity basketball.
“Constructive criticism of referees and officiating is welcomed, as it is essential for the development of our game officials,” the statement read.
However, Reyes made clear that professionalism and sportsmanship must guide these exchanges both in public and private settings.
The Commissioner’s Office revealed that several coaches have been cited for unsportsmanlike behavior and violations of UAAP protocols.
In past games, University of the East assistant coach RJ Argamino was cited for unsportsmanlike behavior and for violating the cooling-off period, which prevents immediate confrontations after games.
University of the Philippines head coach Paul Ramos and University of Santo Tomas head coach Haydee Ong were likewise cited for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University head coach Tab Baldwin was cited for violating the cooling-off period. Baldwin, National University head coaches Leo Pujante and Jeff Napa, and UE head coach Chris Gavina were all issued stern warnings for their harsh comments on officiating.
Gavina has since apologized publicly, though he was also required to submit a formal explanation for his post-game remarks and conduct.
The league stressed that “the use of profane language and making unfounded allegations against game officials is unacceptable in the UAAP,” warning that any future statements that demean or disrespect referees will result in sanctions.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
But accountability, Reyes emphasized, extends beyond the benches.
The Basketball Commissioner’s Office has already suspended and permanently banned referees found to have fallen short of the league’s officiating standards.
Each participating school and its representatives receive detailed game reports, including referee call accuracy grades, to ensure transparency and fairness in evaluation.
“The UAAP remains steadfast in its mission to develop a pool of high-quality, consistent officials in alignment with FIBA standards,” Reyes said, noting that the league currently features seven of the nine active FIBA international referees in the Philippines — five of whom hold the highest FIBA license — while being guided by the country’s lone FIBA-certified instructor under the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
Reyes also acknowledged that this season’s officiating pool differs significantly from last year’s, with many new referees still adjusting to the pace and intensity of UAAP basketball.
“The closeness and competitiveness of the games naturally bring out emotions,” Reyes said, “but it remains everyone’s responsibility to uphold sportsmanship, respect, and civility.”
As emotions continue to run high this season, Reyes called on the UAAP community — coaches, officials, and fans alike — to work together in preserving the integrity of the game and setting an example for student-athletes across the country.
“Both the Commissioner’s Office and the coaches share a common goal: to elevate the quality of basketball in the UAAP and ensure that every contest is played with fairness, passion, and integrity,” Reyes concluded.
