BY WAYLON GALVEZ
The NCAA Policy Board approved the recommendation of the Management Committee (MANCOM) on Thursday to stage the 96th season opening early next year with just four sports disciplines due to the impact of coronavirus pandemic.
MANCOM chairman Fr. Vic Calvo said that the board, led by its president Fr. Clarence Marquez of host school Letran, gave the green light to the MANCOM recommendation in a meeting held Thursday.
“Only the four mandatory sports will be played in the 96th Season – basketball, volleyball, swimming and track and field,” said Calvo as the school posted the NCAA decision on its official Facebook page.
The league’s plans to start early next year was first reported by Tempo-Bulletin.
The hosting of Letran this season coincides with the school’s 400th year anniversary, and Calvo said they are hoping to make it as exciting and memorable for the 10 schools.
In its official statement, the NCAA mentioned that the staging of the 96th NCAA Season still depends of the COVID-19 situation, and “subject to the decisions of the government for the favorable conduct of games, while strictly observing safety and health protocols.
“Of course, we’ll follow the guidelines of the government,” said Calvo, adding that eligibility would be relaxed in terms of age, grades, students enrollment, as well as playing years.
The longtime Letran athletic director also mentioned that it’s possible for other sports to be played, and he said that it all depends of the availability of participating schools.
On the other hand, the NCAA is looking at holding online competition for chess and e-sports.
