PBA eyes to fine floppers

MANILA, Philippines – The PBA convened recently its competition committee, which also suggested rule revisions on flagrant fouls, double lane violations, delay of games and review of last-second shot.

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, Ginebra mentor Alfrancis Chua and Air21 counterpart Franz Pumaren and PBA Supervisor of Officials Ramil Cruz were members of the competition committee.

Subject to the approval of the board, PBA Commissioner Chito Salud said they intend to implement the rule changes as early as the Governors Cup that kicks off Aug. 14.

The league wants to rid its game of flopping acts.

Salud said such acts, if found out upon post-game review, will be subject to penalties, such as fines starting at P5,000 and escalating with every similar offense.

"Play will not be stopped, but everything will be reviewed by the Commissioner's Office afterwards," Salud explained.

Also agreed on is for the league to revert back to the original definition of flagrant fouls.

"Whereas at present there are various specific acts enumerated under flagrant fouls 1 and 2, it has been proposed that F1 should be decided by the referee right there and then while the F2 are all those deemed by the referees to be unnecessary and excessive," said Salud.

A flagrant foul committed on a 3-point shooter has also been modified, according to Salud. "Before it used to be mere two free throws and possession," he related. "A change has been proposed for it to be three charities plus possession."

The rules on a double lane violation have also been changed. What used to be strictly a jump ball at midcourt, whether the last charity was made, is now being changed to a jump ball only if the free throw is missed.