Narvasa: Referee substitutions part of ‘educational process’
A referee being subbed out?
That’s just one of the newest addition to the rules for the 41st season of the PBA.
In the opening game of the 2016 Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday, the first referee subsitution came when Jun Marabe subbed for Nol Quilingen early in the the second quarter between Star and Rain or Shine.
“It’s always good to experiment. I guess kapag nabalitaan ng Fiba ito, baka gayahin nila and maybe we’re setting a trend. Bottom line is let’s give it time then let’s give our judgement,” said outspoken Elastopainters’ coach Yeng Guiao.
PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa explained that the substitution of referees are centered on helping the officials understand the game more.
“It gives them an opportunity during the game to focus totally. Sometimes, they lose focus, and when I see that, I just bring them out, tell them what went wrong, and let them come back in,” he said.
The substitution of referees is under the discretion of the commissioner, or in his absence, the deputy commissioner Rickie Santos.
It can be made anytime during deadball situations, depending on the performance of the referee.
“It’s the educational process that we’re going through. It helps them understand the games a little bit more on the coaches’ and players’ side, so we get to understand each other better,” said Narvasa.
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