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    IATF green light raises hope for restart to stalled PBA season

    PBA board to convene to plot next course of action for league, says Marcial
    Jul 3, 2020
    PHOTO: PBA Images

    THE PBA welcomed the decision of the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases) to allow the resumption of practices, which gives the pro league a glimmer of hope for a restart to its stalled 45th season later in the year.

    Commissioner Willie Marcial expressed gratitude to the agency for approving the guidelines that will pave the way for the start of team training in both professional basketball and football.

    The move, according to the commissioner, gives him the optimism the PBA may still be able to return and hold the postponed Philippine Cup.

    “Step by step lang. Siyempre, malaking pasasalamat natin sa IATF dahil binigyan na nila tayo ng go-signal para makapag-practice na ang mga teams,” said Marcial shortly after Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque's announcement on Friday afternoon.

    “Kahit paano on-track ang PBA."

    The PBA board is set to convene by next month to decide on whether it will resume or cancel the season altogether. Initially, It is looking at a September return after operations were prematurely shutdown last March 11 with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country and around the world.

    With the latest development, Marcial expects league chairman Ricky Vargas of TnT Katropa to call for a new board meeting.

    The commissioner has also set a dialogue with the coaches and team managers of the 12 teams similar to what he had with players’ representatives from each ballclub two weeks ago.

    By his own understanding of the IATF directive, ballclubs can start practicing anytime, although Marcial said he’s still awaiting word from Games and Amusement Board (GAB) chairman Abraham Mitra and a formal letter from the agency itself.

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    It was GAB along with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Department of Health (DoH) which drafted the guidelines for the resumption of team training in both pro basketball and football.

    The PBA for its part, also submitted to the IATF and GAB its own safety protocols to be followed should teams be finally given permission to go back to training.

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      Under the league guidelines, teams will have their players practice by batch, each set composed of four players, a trainer/coach, and a health officer.

      Aside from the strict practicing of health procedures such as the use of face mask, hand sanitizers, thermal scanners, and foot mat, players and officials will be tested before being allowed to practice.

      Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph

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      PHOTO: PBA Images
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