PBA coaches agree with league measures for workouts

PBA Governors. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The PBA’s 12 head coaches are in line with the league’s protocol that would protect players and staff from COVID-19 once individual workouts start.

Commissioner Willie Marcial, Deputy Commissioner Eric Castro, and Legal Counsel Atty. Melvin Mendoza briefed the coaches and team managers on the league’s guidelines to test players, according to PBA.ph.

“I think it’s all good, all we have to do is follow it,” said Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.

The PBA will require all teams to undergo COVID-19 testing three days before training starts and they will still have to be tested for the virus every 10 days.

Practice facilities should be disinfected using hospital-grade disinfectants before and after workouts.

Players and coaches are also required to strictly abide a “closed circuit” method of travel wherein they’re only allowed to go from their homes to their practice facility and back.

“I think the PBA has put up an effective guideline to safeguard the players, it’s just a matter of attitude from the players to maintain it,” said NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao. “It’s now up to them if we intend to keep everyone safe. Everybody should practice discipline at all times if we want this league to survive and likewise protect their livelihood.”

As for San Miguel head coach Leo Austria, he’s just happy that the league is slowly returning to what it once was.

“It’s been four months since the lockdown so we really missed each other a lot,” said Austria. “Having the opportunity to be together and work out together is a relief for everybody.”

Austria added that players must always practice what he calls the 3Ds or discipline, determination, and dedication to keep everyone safe.

Scrimmages, however, are still not allowed with the current setup with individual drills and shooting sessions the only ones allowed.