UAAP adds release clause to controversial 2-year residency rule

MANILA, Philippines — A release clause has been added to the controversial UAAP residency rule, softening the blow for highschool students transferring to another member school in college.

An athlete who decides to enroll in a different college can now immediately play for that school — if he can secure a release form from his former squad, the league said on Sunday.

“An incoming collegiate athlete who is a high school graduate from a UAAP member university and enrolled in another member university shall take a mandatory two-year residency, except when a prior release is issued by the member university for the athletes concerned,” said the statement.

This gives hope for transferring athletes like the highly-touted guard Jerie Pingoy, who can suit up for Ateneo this coming UAAP season 76 if Far Eastern University releases him.

“The two-year residency from high school to college shall cover incoming student athletes effective UAAP Season 76 (School Year 2013-2014). The release form shall be duly signed by any UAAP board member of the member university concerned.”

The new UAAP season opens on June 29, a much earlier date to give way to the Fiba Asia Championships in August.