The UAAP is tightening its basketball officiating standards for Season 89, placing greater emphasis on bench discipline and introducing a structured suspension system for players and coaches who accumulate repeated infractions.
UAAP basketball commissioner Jai Reyes said the league is moving closer to FIBA standards, particularly in how officials handle conduct on the bench.
“The most important point in aligning with FIBA is that our officials can already enact these standards,” Reyes said during Tuesday’s UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Basketball press conference at Novotel Manila Araneta City.
The league has already prepared its officiating crew for the adjustments through a refresher course held from July 15 to 23 under FIBA instructor Mohammed Al Amiri.
Reyes said the changes are also intended to prepare UAAP participants for the level of officiating they may encounter once they advance to international competition.
“So, the UAAP is here to educate our student-athletes. So, we want everybody to be ready when they step out of the UAAP to bigger stages,” he said.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Bench decorum will be a major point of emphasis this season after FIBA officials who observed UAAP games recommended closer alignment with international standards.
“Technically, bench decorum will be our main point of concern as instructed by our FIBA foreign instructor,” Reyes said.
He added: “We had two FIBA officials come to the Philippines and observe our games. They observed that bench decorum must be aligned more closely with FIBA standards. So, coaches, there may be more technical fouls this year, so keep your benches in control.”
The league will also impose suspensions based on accumulated infractions.
A student-athlete will be suspended after receiving two unsportsmanlike fouls, subject to the severity of the violations. For technical fouls, the third infraction will result in a suspension, with another suspension imposed for every two additional technical fouls thereafter.
Players who serve suspensions will also become ineligible for postseason individual awards.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Head coaches, meanwhile, will incur a suspension upon reaching three technical fouls, with subsequent suspensions coming after every two additional technical fouls. Technical fouls assessed to the bench will also be counted against the head coach.
The accumulation of technical fouls and related infractions will reset once the playoffs begin.
Aside from disciplinary measures, the UAAP is also encouraging referees to exercise greater judgment in determining whether contact actually affects a play.
“Referees will allow play to continue if they deem or feel like the contact does not affect the play. I think this will also minimize or make our game time faster. The IRS will also be faster,” Reyes said.
Ultimately, Reyes said the changes are designed to make the UAAP a better preparation ground for players, coaches, and officials aspiring to compete internationally.
“The goal is for our athletes and coaches and even officials to be ready for FIBA competitions on the world stage,” he said.
