UP proposes reforms for UAAP

MANILA, Philippines – During the public hearing for the two proposed senate bills for the protection of student-athletes, Dean Ronaldo Dizer of the University of the Philippines’ College of Human Kinetics bared some ideas from his school regarding reforms in the UAAP.

Dizer scored the lack of rules based on recruiting practices and called for their removal.

“They are immoral and unethical,” underscored the State University official.

He named a number of concerns about collegiate sports:

1. The lack of rules with regards to visitation on potential recruits.
2. There seems to be no limit with regards to the material gifts heaped upon recruits.
3. The absence of proper documentation on recruits as well as their authentication.
4. The proliferation of Team A, B, and C for some schools that is tantamount to hoarding players while others can barely put up a Team A.
5. Players being demoted to extend their playing years.
6. The proliferation of foreign players.
7. The absence of a compliance guide for boosters and alumni with regards to recruitment and support.

Dizer also named some possible solutions to the problems of collegiate sports:

1. The lack of rules with regards to visitation on potential recruits.

The visitation of potential recruits should be allowed on the last six months of a player’s high school year with proper communication with coaches and school authorities of the potential recruits.

Securing the proper documents for his/her release.

2. There seems to be no limit with regards to the material gifts heaped upon recruits.

An allowance cap of not more than Php10,000 monthly

Packages should be limited to scholarship, board and lodging, and transportation. No signing bonuses.

3. The absence of proper documentation on recruits as well as their authentication.

The submission of all specified documents

4. The proliferation of Team A, B, and C for some schools that is tantamount to hoarding players while others can barely put up a Team A.

Limit the athletic scholarship slots of the university

There should be a length of stay on Team B or C should be one year. If the player will not be promoted then he should be allowed to transfer to another school without any financial obligations.

5. Players being demoted to extend their playing years.

This practice should not be allowed!

6. The proliferation of foreign players.

By the year 2019, there should be no foreign players in the UAAP.

7. The absence of a compliance guide for boosters and alumni with regards to recruitment and support.

Each school must create or formulate a compliance guide for boosters, alumni, and friends of each university based on the school charter of UAAP rules.