MAYBE there will be less complaining about the officiating in PBA games in the future if the recent D-League matches are any indication.
With the advent of female referees in the developmental league, one coach has admitted becoming hesitant to complain whenever there was a lady official working the game.
Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson has been unusually mild-mannered in the presence of lady refs, who have been calling D-League games starting in the ongoing Foundation Cup - the latest step in the PBA’s plan to have them eventually officiate in the pro ranks.
“Mahirap (mag-reklamo), lalo na sa isang maginoo katulad ko,” the long-haired mentor told Spin.ph with a smile. “Minsan, gusto mo na mag-mura, pero hindi mo masabi kasi babae, ‘di ba?”
It could be a welcome development for the male referees, who have been the subject of scorn from coaches and fans alike for questionable calls, one of which, led to an assault by Cagayan Valley coach Alvin Pua, who was promptly fined P500,000 and banned for life.
Rain or Shine’s fiery coach, Yeng Guiao, though, believes it’s only a matter of time before he treats the ladies — if ever they do get elevated — the same way as how he is with male officials.
“Palagay ko sa una lang ‘yun (maiilang),” he said. “Maninibago ka lang ng konti sa una, pero after a while, they will be like the boys also.”
“You’ll get used to it,” the outspoken mentor added. “Maituturing mo rin na pare-pareho lang sila dyan.”
But Guiao said he welcomes the idea of having female refs in the pros — as long as they have what it takes.
“I don’t discriminate against sex naman eh,” the concurrent Pampanga representative said. “Kung uubra na sila, qualified sila, kaya na nila yung game dito, then I will be open to them.”
Chongson echoed Guiao’s sentiment.
“Gender is inconsequential naman sa akin,” he said. “It’s how you perform. It doesn’t matter to me kung lalake, babae, o whatever, as long as they do their jobs.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph