REFS TO BE UNDER CLOSER WATCH

To work the games with “name plates”
Philippine Basketball Association website
Thursday, 18 October 2007

As the 10 ballclubs slowly adapt to the new rules implemented by the PBA this season, another innovation is about to be introduced by the league this coming week that should put the reputation and competence of its game officials on the line.

If their new set of uniforms will be delivered as scheduled, PBA referees will be working the game with their surnames emblazoned at the back of their outfits starting Sunday.

Technical group chief Perry Martinez said the new outfit will be a challenge to the referees as they work the game.

"Under the new guidelines we are implementing, the referees are given vast discretionary powers to assess when to call or not to call a foul. So they must be answerable to everyone as to the calls they make. In effect, it's a sink and swim situation for them because they are easily identified with their ‘name plate’," Martinez said.

League Officer-in-Charge Sonny Barrios readily admits having the surname of game officials inscribed on their uniforms put the referees' reputation and competence at stake because they will be under close watch by the fans.

"But we are optimistic that given the right tools and proper training, not to mention constant understanding of the game, our game officials will be doing a terrific job," Barrios said.

The PBA has adopted the FIBA appreciation of fouls in an effort to speed up the game and make it more exciting to fans.

Martinez said the "no advantage, no foul" principle provides the defenders with more leeway. In so doing, games tend to get physical since a defensive player can "dislodge, displace and dispossess" an offensive player without being whistled for a foul if he doesn't impede the movement of the offense or get any advantage in doing such action.

"Previously, that kind of infraction merits a whistle right away. This time, though, the refs will have to analyze first whether a player gains advantage in dislodging or displacing a rival player," Martinez clarified.

"We have asked the teams to bear with our refs because all of us are going through a period of adjustment. But we're confident if we all get used to it, we'll be seeing more free-wheeling and exciting games," he added.

Martinez suggests that the stronger and more skilled players will shine and perform comfortably under the modified rules.

Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio views the adjustment from last year's rules as "like heaven and earth," but quickly added it won't be a problem "for as long as the refs make the calls consistently."

Meanwhile, Air21 forward Homer Se was fined P10,000 by Barrios in the aftermath of his flagrant foul (penalty 1) for planting an elbow on the neck of Magnolia guard LA Tenorio during their team's encounter last Sunday. (DBC)