THE PBA will be clamping down on floppers.
League Commissioner Chito Salud said that the PBA is set to adopt rules against flopping arrived at by the competition committee in a meeting last Wednesday.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel mentor Alfrancis Chua and Air21 counterpart Franz Pumaren, as well as PBA Operations Director Rickie Santos, Media Bureau head Willie Marcial and Supervisor of Officials Ramil Cruz were also present and helped come up with new rules dealing with flagrant fouls, double lane violations, delay of games and review of shots beating the 24-second shot clock.
“It was a very nice, frank exchange of ideas as we continue trying to improve the quality of the games and make them more exciting for the fans,” related Salud.
Once the PBA Board gives its nod to the new rules in its next regular meeting, Salud said he will recommend the newest changes to be implemented as early as the Governors’ Cup that kicks off Aug. 14.
It is on those who exhibit exaggerated reaction to a contact, whether it is a foul or not, which will be frowned on most by the league, however.
Salud said such flopping acts, if found out upon post-game review, will be subject to penalties, such as fines starting at P5,000 and escalating from that with every similar offense.
“Unless the flop affects the play, the game will not be stopped, but everything will be reviewed by the Commissioner’s Office afterwards,” explained Salud.
“I don’t think any suspension would be in order since it will deprive the fans of seeing their player in action, but the penalties will be hefty enough should they accumulate.”
Also agreed on is for the league to revert back to the original definition of flagrant fouls.
“Whereas at present there are various specific acts enumerated under Flagrant Fouls Penalty 1 and 2, it has been proposed that we go back to the original meaning of the fouls. F1 are unnecessary while F2 are all those deemed by the referees to be both unnecessary and excessive,” said Salud.
A flagrant foul committed on a three-point shooter has also been modified, according to Salud. “Before it used to be mere two free throws and possession,” he related. “A change has been proposed for it to be three charities plus possession.”
The rules on a double lane violation have also been changed. What used to be strictly a jump ball at midcourt, whether the last charity was made, is now being changed to a jump ball only if the free throw is missed. A successful free throw on a double lane violation will be counted.
The referees will be more lenient regarding delay of game calls. A technical foul will only be called after two warnings, instead of just one as before. (NC)
Source: PBA.ph
