PBA unveils hybrid rules

MANILA, Philippines — There will be rule changes introduced by the PBA in the Governors Cup starting today but while the goal is to conform closely to the FIBA game, certain “house” practices will continue to maintain a high level of competitiveness.

FIBA instructor Mohammad Al-Amiri of Kuwait was recently in town for a week to conduct six training sessions with PBA referees and team representatives. He attended tune-up games to observe and assess officiating standards. The league will open the third conference with 21 referees and two rookies undergoing tryouts.

Among the PBA rules to be retained are 12-minute quarters, four-point shot, maximum of two coaches’ challenges with the second contingent on the first being successful, six personal fouls to disqualification, five team fouls before penalty and no team foul carryover in OT.

PBA technical group head Joey Guanio said the FIBA rules on possession arrow and the classification of unsportsmanlike and disqualifying fouls will be applied. Jumpball will only be to start a game and transition take, advantage and deliberate fouls will now fall under the unsportsmanlike category with the penalty of two free throws and possession. The previous PBA practice of entering the penalty on the third team foul in the last two minutes of each quarter has been eliminated. However, in the last two minutes of OT, penalty free throws will be awarded on the third team foul.

Guanio said calls on screens will follow the guidelines in the PBA rulebook. The determination of whether or not to call a foul will depend on advantage or disadvantage. “It’s very tricky but we were calling it well during the tune-up games,” he said, anticipating no issues when the conference begins. “We viewed the recent Gilas games with Mr. Amiri. It really boils down to understanding the flow of the game, details and rules. Something illegal cannot be made legal or let go.”