UAAP cancels Season 83 for ‘health and safety’ reasons

Troubles continue to hound the Philippine collegiate sports scene as the UAAP has canceled its 83rd season, per a league statement on Friday, December 11.

This development comes after reports surfaced that the UAAP would likely only host two events, namely men’s basketball and women’s volleyball, as the COVID-19 scourge continues to rip through the country.

“After a series of discussions, the UAAP Board of Trustees came to this difficult decision, putting major consideration on the health and safety of the student-athletes and those involved in the operations of our competitions,” the league statement read.

“The decision will allow UAAP member-schools to plan their activities for the remainder of the academic year, as well as their athletic programs for next season,” the statement continued.

Season 83, hosted by De La Salle University, was initially penciled in to start during the first quarter of 2021.

While Philippine sports has already restarted under general community quarantine settings, only professional leagues like the PBA, PFL, and Chooks-to-Go 3×3 have gotten the green light to resume operations by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).

Meanwhile, the only amateur players who have played in sanctioned tournaments this year are the Gilas Pilipinas cadets, who played in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in Bahrain.

As for the UAAP, no word has yet been given regarding this cancellation’s impact to student-athlete residency rules, but previous reports have already stated that these rules are open to possible leniency due to the unprecedented stoppages.

“Both the Board of Trustees and the Board of Managing Directors will further discuss the implications of the cancellation for the guidance of the member-schools and student-athletes,” the statement read.

The UAAP recently signed a 5-and-a-half year deal broadcast partnership with Cignal Sports/TV5 prior to the scrapping of Season 83.