DONE with the first step of getting the IATF nod, the PBA pursues the next which is the Joint Administrative Order from another government body as PBA commissioner Willie Marcial sits down in a meeting with Games and Amusements Board chairman Baham Mitra Monday.
The joint order or JAO from the Department of Health, Philippine Sports Commission and GAB which will likely be in consonant with the PBA's own safety protocols will guide PBA teams in their return to practice probably starting May 17.
"We'll clear the guidelines with (GAB) Chairman Mitra," said Marcial.
A key element in the protocols is the COVID-19 testing to help prevent a burst in the safety nets of all the teams in the planned workouts that hopefully lead to Season 46 kickoff in June.
Marcial said they are imposing tests that are stricter than their Clark bubble scheme.
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"There will be two swab tests before the start of the practices. First is seven days before and the second is two days before the start of the team activities. At dati every 14 days ang testing; gagawin natin ngayon every 10 days," said Marcial.
The league, however, is looking at a closed-circuit setup (home-venue-home) for the planned Season 46 Philippine Cup, departing from the costly bubble tourney that they did in Clark last year.
Barring hitches, the PBA is targeting the season kickoff after a month of practices.
"We are thinking of June 15," said SMC sports director and Barangay Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua on The Chasedown TV show.
Marcial and Chua were the ones that personally presented the PBA plans and appeal in a meeting with Sen. Bong Go and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea in Malacanang a few days back.
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The two PBA officials acknowledged the big help of Go and Medialdea in getting the IATF approval.
And now, the league officials said the onus is on the PBA - players, coaches and all concerned individuals in the league - to be vigilant in following protocols for the season to take off sooner than later. (SB)
