ANTIPOLO — Akari head coach Taka Minowa was all praise on the PVL’s move to field in foreign referees for the first time.
The Chargers’ five-set semifinals-opening win over Choco Mucho was the first match that featured a non-Filipino first referee in Hong Kong’s Adams Wong.
READ: PVL deploys foreign referees to further bolster impartiality
What stood out best for the Japanese coach in such a welcome change? In-game decision-making from an officiating standpoint has become much clearer and less confusing.
“I think this is a first (for the PVL to have foreign referees). Some of us are not confused,” Minowa said.
“Usually after when something happens, we couldn't discuss. (Only) the [local] referees discuss. They're taking their time but today, he's deciding immediately.”
While the five-set contest lasted for two hours and 29 minutes, Minowa pointed out how the match didn’t feel ‘as long’ as it used to.
“The games are not long and we're not also confused. It's more clear,” the Akari head coach said.
Wong is one of two foreign referees tapped by the league to elevate the level of officiating in the semifinals, battle for third and finals of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
READ: Akari outlasts Choco Mucho in five sets to take first semis win
The other is a former volleyball player-turned-referee in Thailand’s Butsarin Hmog Mung Muang, who was on call for the Creamline-Petro Gazz semifinals matchup.
Wong and Hmog Mung Muang will take turns over the conference’s remaining playoff matches as first and second referees to be backed by Filipino international referees.
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