Reviewing import rules

In the PBA, there are strict rules regarding the recruitment of imports. First, an original import may be placed in the injured reserve list and activated only once. Second, a replacement import is ineligible for reactivation. Third, a fresh replacement import may be enlisted at any time during the conference, even with a game left in the finals. Fourth, once an import is named by a team and the PBA issues a memo advising his entry, it’s as good as if he has played a game regardless of whether or not he actually saw action. Fifth, an import may join another team only after not playing a season. Sixth, a team may play importless for only two games without being fined if the cause is due to injury or force majeure or a factor not attributable to the team’s fault but starting the third game onwards, a hefty fine will be levied. Seventh, a letter of clearance must be submitted from the national federation of the country an import previously played in.

The rules are traditional and have been in force for years. However, they may be reviewed from time to time and restudied for revisions, if at all, after a season. Other pro leagues that allow imports are not as restrictive. Imports may come and go, giving coaches leeway to decide matchups depending on opponents with no distinction between an original and a replacement import. Of course, imports can’t switch teams during a season.

The PBA’s rules consider every team’s capacity to pay for imports. If imports can come and go, the richer teams are at an advantage because they can rotate on a game to game basis. So the PBA set restrictions to prevent richer teams to gain an undue advantage.

In the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup, San Miguel Beer listed Tyler Stone as its original import. But before the season started, he was replaced by Ivan Aska. Stone was actually registered as San Miguel’s original import so under the rules, he is restricted from joining another team until after not playing a season. Similarly, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was listed as TNT’s original import but before the season began, he went down with gastroenteritis and Quincy Miller took his place for a game. That meant Jefferson was placed in the injured list and allowed reactivation only once. Jefferson replaced Miller and played seven contests then suffered a whiplash during an EASL game, rendering him unable to play in TNT’s next PBA outing.

TNT named Jefferson’s brother Rahlir to replace him for the Ginebra game last Christmas Day. The PBA issued a memo confirming the replacement last Dec. 23 and scheduled his measurement on the morning of the game. TNT subsequently attempted to recall Rahlir’s name before his measurement but it was too late since the memo had been released. Submitting Rahlir’s name took away Rondae’s eligibility for the conference because if he played again, it would be a second reactivation which isn’t allowed. This rule should be revisited because Rondae never played a game as an original import who was replaced. TNT’s appeal, however, could not be upheld as a rule can’t be changed or modified during a season. Now, TNT is left with no option but to play Rahlir instead. Rondae’s health status is still uncertain so TNT wouldn’t take the chance to risk his playing career and wait for his recovery anyway.