FIBA sets restart protocols

Filipino orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jose Raul (George) Canlas recently participated in a FIBA zoom video conference meeting with FIBA secretary-general Andreas Zagklis, sport and competition director Predrag Bogosavljev, Medical Commission chairman Dr. Peter Harcourt and 10 others to discuss health guidelines leading to the return of basketball events throughout the world.

The meeting was held last May 15 and took two hours, from 8 to 10 p.m., Philippine time. The other day, FIBA released a document called a Risk Assessment Tool that was crafted in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). “The guidelines and risk assessment tool will serve as a checklist to ensure any decisions on basketball events are based on an assessment of risks and the best chance of a successful restart,” said FIBA.

Dr. Canlas, a member of the 12-strong FIBA Medical Commission, said Zagklis set the tone for the discussion. “Basically, he stated that it’s a new world and FIBA has to adjust but most of all, ensure the safety and health of all involved,” he said. “FIBA will provide guidance to ensure a safe environment. We were also updated on the revised schedule of FIBA tournaments.”

The FIBA guidelines were developed by Dr. Harcourt after consulting with the FIBA COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group (MAG) and the FIBA Medical and Players Commissions. The MAG was formed last April to review the latest scientific knowledge regarding the pandemic and to advise on the return of international basketball competitions. MAG members are Dr. Harcourt, Medical Commission deputy chairman Dr. Souheil Sayegh, Dr. John DiFiori as the NBA director of sports medicine, the WHO executive director’s senior advisor, a University of Melbourne professor of medicine specializing in immunology and vaccine research and as observer, IOC medical director Dr. Richard Budgett.

FIBA suspended all competitions last March 12. In 3x3, the two Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQTs) will be held next year before the Tokyo Games but no schedule has been released. The first 3x3 OQT was set in Bengaluru, India, last March 18-22 involving 20 countries in the men’s and women’s divisions. The Philippines is listed among the contenders in the men’s division. Of the 20 countries, three will advance to Tokyo. The second 3x3 OQT, called the Universality OQT, would’ve been played in Budapest last April 24-26 with six countries battling for one ticket. Only eight teams in the men’s and women’s divisions will compete in the 3x3 event in Tokyo.

Manila was slated to host the World 3x3 Tour Masters at the SM Megamall last May 2-3 then it was moved to Aug. 15-16. Chooks To Go 3x3 commissioner Eric Altamirano said yesterday FIBA has asked to reset the Manila leg to January next year. The FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup was set in Changsha last May 13-17 but has been postponed to Sept. 9-13 with another delay expected to be announced. Cancelled were four World 3x3 Tour events in Prague, Lausanne, Los Angeles and Nanjing, the FIBA U16 Asia Cup in Beirut set last April 5-12 and the FIBA U16 Women’s Asia Cup in Canberra slated last April 5-10.