MANILA – The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Board is targeting to tip-off its Season 83 in the first quarter of 2021 as the country is still under the wrath of coronavirus disease 2019.
UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag made the projection on Thursday based on the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on the regulation of sports and classes.
The IATF-EID made it clear that full-contact sports and related trainings remain prohibited even though most parts of the country have been downgraded to either general community quarantine or modified general community quarantine.
Also under UAAP’s consideration is Philippine Sports Commission’s declaration that sporting events cannot resume unless there is a vaccine for COVID-19.
“There are many options being considered by the UAAP Board of Managing Directors. One of those is the opening of the UAAP in the first quarter of 2021,” Saguisag said in an interview with Spin.ph.
However, he emphasized that the target opening for Season 83 is not yet final as the association is taking extra steps in ensuring the safety of its athletes and all the students.
“Intercollegiate leagues such as ours may have to be more cautious and prudent in the approach,” said Saguisag. “Everything is on the table and the board of managing directors is carefully preparing for different scenarios which will be presented to the board of trustees for approval.”
The UAAP board cancelled the remainder of its Season 82 on April 7 due to the growing cases of COVID-19 in the country.
Among the sports affected by the league’s cancellation were men’s and women’s volleyball, football, baseball, softball, athletics, lawn tennis, 3×3 basketball, and street dance./PN
