The verdict as to how the new amended rules and regulations will take effect will be known today when the Board of Trustees of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) convenes at the Tin Gow Restaurant at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in barangay Lahug.
For several months, a dark cloud has hovered over the league in light of the rules and regulations that were implemented for the upcoming Cesafi season.
One such rule that the Southwestern Univeristy (SWU) will be pursuing to change will be the one that prohibits players from the PBA D-League to compete in the Cesafi basketball tournament.
The Cobras have one in their fold in the face of power forward Chris Dumapig. According to the rules that were amended this summer, players from the PBA, PBL, Liga Pilipinas and the D-League are not eligible to play in the Cesafi.
However, SWU has an official letter from the D-League and PBA commissioner Chito Salud that states that the league is purely an amateur one with players not receiving salaries but just allowances.
According to SWU athletic director Ryan Aznar, he will be attending the meeting along with a lawyer and SWU chairperson Maris Johanna Holopainen.
“She’s got a copy of the amended rules, the letter of appeal and the letter from Chito Salud. She’s very aware of the situation,” said Aznar.
SAME CONCEPT
Aznar, a stringent critic of Cesafi commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy, added that the Cesafi Partner’s Cup and the D-League are born out of the same concept.
“If he’s talking about the money that is being given to the players, pareha ra ang storya sa D-League and the Partner’s Cup. You’re giving money to the players. The D-League is just giving allowances,” said Aznar.
“If he is doing his work as commissioner, he should have included the D-League in the amended rules the moment that league was formed. Ngano gihulat pa niya nga maabot ani na sitwasyon?”
Another rule that looks to be scrutinized is the residency rule for transferees from one school to another. Another rule change that is looked upon to be utilized immediately is the residency rule that has been bumped from one year to two years, in effect, jeopardizing the stint of juniors division guard Rendell Senining of the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles.
“It’s more of inquiry and clarificaton into the implementation of the rules. There are conflicting signals being sent. Walay grace period man gud between the amendment and the implementation,” said SHS-AdC athletic director Rico Navarro.
Joe Lipa, a former commissioner of the UAAP and the NCAA had something to say regarding the issue.
“Rule changes usually take effect the following year or even the year after that. This is to give the schools perspective.”