Racism, security top NCAA agenda for Season 90

MANILA, Philippines – The country’s shift to the K-12 educational system, racism and security are some of the issues discussed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) policy board and management committee as they prepare for the opening of the league’s 90th season on June 28.

NCAA policy board president Dr. Vicente Fabella, of season host Jose Rizal University, said the K-12 program is on top of their agenda in their last meeting as they look for strategies to prepare the league from 2016 to 2018.

“We have strategies for grades 11 to 12, we won’t be feeling the effects of the K-12 program this year but our biggest concern is in the 2016 to 2018 seasons,” said Fabella during Monday’s press briefing for the league’s 90th season at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

There will be no incoming freshmen and sophomores in all colleges and universities as high school students under the K-12 program will be graduating in 2017.

“The Management Committee (Mancomm) has also come up with a strategy. There will be no effect this year and next year, I can’t talk about it but we have been looking for measures to lessen the impact,” said Fabella, who added that they will finalize their decision in their August meeting.

Racism is another issue that the NCAA discussed with Mancomm chairman Paul Supan saying that the league will not tolerate taunts be it from players, team staff and fans.

San Beda big man Ola Adeogun had been the target of racial slurs in the past years. Recently, the Nigerian center was again a victim of racial slur while playing in the Philippine Basketball Association Development League.

“We Filipinos are very welcoming and hospitable people. Racism has no place here in the NCAA and in the Philippines. The league does not condone it,” said Supan, who added that players caught shouting racial slurs will be given sanctions.

“We have general rules on how to deal with racism, disrespecting other players is not tolerated. What happened in the past is a rare and unique situation.”

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The league also focused on beefing up security of all the players and fans who will be watching the games after what happened to Letran guard Franz Dysam, who was shot and his girlfriend killed while going home after a game last year.

“We’re focused on implementing guidelines for each team. Protecting the welfare of our student athletes and the fans is our priority,” said Fabella.

The 90th NCAA season opens on June 28 with an almost intact San Beda side starting off its five-peat bid against host JRU at 1 p.m. while last year’s losing finalist Letran takes on San Sebastian in the 3 p.m. second game at the Mall of Asia Arena. – Rappler.com