UAAP TV replay only for last-second shots

Newly-appointed UAAP commissioner Ato Badolato yesterday reiterated that video reviews of the basketball games for the league’s 67th season starting next month will and cannot be used to alter the results of the games.

Badolato, one of the finest coaches in the land, having steered the San Beda Red Cubs to 14 NCAA titles in a span of three decades, said video reviews will only be applied for questionable last-second shots in the fourth quarter and overtime.

The referees, Badolato explained, shall not make any official calls regarding last-second shots without consulting table officials with access to the video tapes. This way, the referees’ decision will be accurate, undisputable and final.

Badolato, who molded the careers of PBA superstars like Benjie Paras, Ronnie Magsanoc and Ren Ren Ritualo while they were Red Cubs, said video reviews, however, may be used to penalize or fine coaches, players and referees as well.

Video reviews and slo-motion are normally used and relied upon in instances such as player fights, bench-clearing incidents or any other commotion that may arise before, during and after a game.

Badolato said complaints on officiating will be handled by the UAAP technical committee which includes the commissioner. But a formal protest will have to be filed by the team’s board representative and not by the coach.

"It should be within the day," said Badolato. — Abac Cordero