In an unprecedented move, the University Athletics Association of the Philippines will have its own set of referees for the Men’s and Women’s Basketball tournaments.
“For the first time, we will also have our own set of referees. This is to ensure that there will be quality and improvement in our officiating,” shared UAAP President Nilo Ocampo.
For the past few years, the league has relied on the Basketball Referees Association for Schools, Colleges and University (BRASCU) for its officiating pool. On the other hand, the NCAA are currently using the MPBL’s pool.
The idea of the league came about when UAAP Basketball commissioner Junel Baculi pitched the idea to Ocampo and Executive Director Rebo Saguisag.
Baculi and the league wanted referees that would exclusively officiate in the UAAP and would be at the venue at all times.
“I was discussing with president Nilo Ocampo and ED [executive director] Rebo Saguisag about the group that we want to hire for Season 81. An idea came out: Why don’t we initiate in having our own set of referees?” Baculi shared.
“An exclusive one. They cannot officiate in [other] leagues. If ever we suspend them, they stay here. Every game, they will be in the venues.”
After getting approval from the league’s Managing Directors and Board of Trustees, the pitch was approved. The league will have a pool of 25 referees for the men’s, women’s, and juniors’ basketball tournaments.
“We have 25 referees to handle all our basketball games,” Baculi added.
The officials will work directly under commissioner Baculi, assistant commissioner Tonichi Pojante, and technical head Vic Ycasiano.
