Not too many people know that one reason why the Philippine men’s basketball team had a difficult time in their European tour was a small, unexpected surprise. The balls being used in Italy were smaller and bouncier than the ones being used here. Imagine, the only tool of the game was different. The RP team noticed this only at the playing venue itself, and hastily asked to borrow some. They were lent one. That rendered all their shooting practice useless.
A Filipino technical officials from another sport is currently in Busan to inspect the venues as a supervisor of the Asian Games. While there, he will also check the equipment being used for other sports, particularly basketball, and hopefully bring home samples.
It seems striking that we should assume that all standards are the same. It is common practice for the host country to get as much of an advantage as it can through whatever "legal" means are at its disposal. Let’s be prepared for the following:
Climate. It is freezing cold in Busan, particularly in late September, when winter starts to change the temperature. Even during the middle of the year, temperatures in Korea are known to routinely drop to four degrees below zero. Even Adidas Philippines, official outfitter and supplier of gear to the Philippine delegation to the Games, is making subtle but important modifications in the uniforms and apparel of the athletes. Scientifically, every degree that your body temperature increases improves your metabolism. So in cold weather, it is much more difficult to get your body to perform at optimum level.
Schedule. Many a medal has been lost because of changes in schedules. Our officials have to make sure they know the shuttle schedules and alternative routes to the venues. There’s no telling how traffic will affect their travel to and from the athlete’s village. Wouldn’t it be a shame if we were disqualified in an event for not being there?
Food and water. It is not easy for athletes to adjust to a new environment. Although there is very little time difference between Korea and the Philippines, our athletes may be excited about the new surroundings and try the local cuisine. I hope they bring medication for upset stomach.
Equipment and facilities. In an attempt to showcase their best, host countries often resort to new equipment and local brands. At the World Cup, many players had a hard time adjusting to the official ball being used. It would be best for our delegation to have access to all the actual equipment to be used during the games. This also goes for the facilities. As we all know, each basketball, volleyball and tennis court has its own quirks. The ball bounces differently, your feet also feel how resilient the floor is, and so on. In boxing, the canvas can be loosened to make it more difficult for boxers to dance around the ring.
Officiating. Any event where a third party is involved become fair game. Remember Onyok Velasco? How many times has that happened since then? Our athletes must be prepared to build big leads right away and sustain them. In contact sports like the martial arts, this is critical.
Extracurricular activities. There will be constant invitations from local Filipino communities, the diplomatic corps, and sponsors. Our athletes must remember that they are there to compete first and foremost. They are not ambassadors, entertainers or tourists. Leave that to the more experienced technical officials.
Backseat driving. Many athletes train in solitude. All of a sudden, they receive tons of unsolicited advice from people and delegates who were never really involved in their training. My advice is for them to let it in one ear and out the other. Stick to what works, and what you’ve been working at. Everyone will want to take credit for victory. But all these "advisers" disappear at defeat. Success has a thousand fathers, but failure is an oprhan.
With all these reminders, it will be more difficult for the athletes to keep their minds on the task at hand. But it may be worth it for the newcomers to keep this list handy. They may never get another chance.