PBA coaches, owners want better officiating

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) coaches and owners want officiating to improve under the incoming leadership of league commissioner Chito Salud and chairman Rene Pardo. Coaches Yeng Guiao of Air21 and Talk 'N Text's Chot Reyes along with Rain or Shine team owner Raymond Yu lead the list of personalities who are seeking for reform in the league's inconsistent officiating. "Officiating is really terrible," said Guiao. "If we really want an improved officiating, it should come from the top. We need competent people out there. How can we assure good officiating if a simple dribbling violation cannot be identified? I mean, that thing is easy to call." But the fiery mentor said officiating has nothing to do with a player's game, but it should be done correctly. "Officiating stands alone, either you play good or bad, but referees should make the correct calls." Reyes and Ginebra coach Jong Uichico believe calls should be made consistently. "So far, the referees were very inconsistent," said Reyes. Uichico is a firm believer of a "foul is foul" rule. "If you call a foul, make sure you will do the same thing at the other end. I am a firm believer of a foul is a foul," said Uichico. Tim Cone has his more interesting description on the PBA referees. "PBA referees are the necessary evil," said Cone. "But you've got to live with that." A coach, who requested anonymity said that officials are protecting players who take away the excitement of the game. "Referees are protecting the floppers in the league, floppers like Jimmy Alapag, who would flop to get a call and go to the free throw line. He takes advantage on a benefit of a foul called because he shoots well from the line," said the coach. Yu, co-owner of Rain or Shine, said that his team has become a victim of bad officiating. "We've been deprived of a win several times because of bad officiating. I do hope the new leadership will do something about it. I also hope the PBA should remove the flopping call," said Yu. Another owner, who refused to be named, said that the league should come up with stricter rules on officiating and let the referees be more liable with their actions. "I guess the next commissioner should not hesitate in suspending erring referees," said the owner, who’s been in the league for quite some time now. - Rey Joble, GMANews.TV