PVL looking to delay restart for health reasons

To make sure all bases are covered, the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) is willing to push the date of its official restart to the latter part of May.

“We can hold it toward the end of May,” PVL president Ricky Palou told Tuesday’s online version of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum as 12 teams see action in the PVL’s inaugural tournament as a professional league, set to kick off on May 8 at Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna province.

But because of the extra-long layoff and other restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, teams have called on the PVL to give them more time to train.

“There has not been a lot of play for over a year now, and the players may be overexcited and could hurt themselves,” Palou told the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Go For Gold, Milo, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

The extra time will also enable the league to make sure that all health and safety protocols are put in place, including the testing of the close to 325 persons involved.

Of the total number, 240 will make up the 12 teams, from players, coaches and other officials.