PBA board reaches out to IATF for team practice resumption

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

After the PBA board’s first face-to-face meeting since suspending league operations last March, plans were already all set for the resumption of the PBA’s 45th season.

With safety protocols already in place and finalized once players get the go signal to return to the court for practices, PBA chairman Ricky Vargas said that they are just waiting for the government’s clearance regarding the implementation of their guidelines.

The board is making sure that they are taking baby steps leading to the league’s resumption, following their first step’s success of mass-testing its players, coaches, and personnel with the help of SMC president Ramon S. Ang.

In line with their plans for the league’s comeback, they are currently reaching out to the Inter-Agency Task Force regarding their plan of allowing the PBA players to practice within their facilities.

“Wala naman scrimmage. It’s a process; dahan-dahan lang. Wala munang games. The proposal is just returning to practice, conditioning,” said vice-chair Bobby Rosales.

However, the players and personnel should follow strict league protocols during practice sessions which they already discussed and will be implemented.

“Idi-disinfect ang practice venue by hospital standard. Pagdating sa venue, kailangan naka-practice uniform na ang players. After practice, may proper disposal ng uniform. Five minutes lang, alis na sa venue,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.