SBP releases guidelines for return of basketball amid pandemic

MANILA, Philippines—The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is adopting its own measures for the return of the sport of basketball in the country using Fiba’s guidelines as its basis.

Basketball was practically stopped in the Philippines due to COVID-19 with only individual or home workouts allowed but Fiba and SBP’s guidelines could slowly bring back the sport to the country pending government approval.

In a 19-page manifest, the SBP detailed several measures on how basketball players and teams could resume operations as long as it follows the guidelines from the Inter–Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease.

The SBP highlighted the importance of regular COVID-19 PCR testing and all personnel should have a “fit to work” clearance before proceeding to team practices, which is also limited to practice social distancing.

In the event that a person is infected, the team should follow government protocols to prevent the spread of the virus.

One coach, one player, one goal setup will be practiced during practice sessions, which will be limited to 90 minutes. Same time is alloted for weight training. There should be a one-hour break in between intervals for sanitation and disinfection.

Social distancing of 1.5 meters between persons shall still be practiced.

The team doctor should also be present in the facility at all times to conduct monitoring and make sure team personnel are following health protocols.

Players and coaches are also now advised to take a bath and wear a fresh batch of clothes before and after practice.

Loitering is also banned with players and coaches advised to stay in designated places during breaks and they’re also advised to bring their own towel, toiletries, and water jug.

The PBA has already submitted health guidelines to the IATF-EID and Department of Health on possible return of team practices but the government said no decision has been made on the resumption of contact sports like basketball.