THE PBA won't be hesitating to fine players or any persons who would violate its health protocols.
Commissioner Willie Marcial warned that fines will be meted by the league to those who are going to defy the guidelines that will be implemented once team workouts get going by July 22.
From violators of the 'closed circuit concept' to health protocols in workouts, no one will be spared as per the decision agreed upon by the league board during its meeting last week, according to Marcial.
Fines start at P5,000 and could amplify for repeat offenders.
Marcial stressed the strict measure is adopted in order to ensure that players and personnel be free from contracting the COVID-19 virus.
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He reiterated that once team workouts begin, only four players, a coach or trainer, and a safety officer will be allowed inside the training facility as per the guidelines approved by the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases).
Anyone found guilty of violating the workout protocols will be penalized P20,000.
"Sabi ko sa mga players mag-sabi kayo sa amin kung may violation ang safety officer ninyo. At kapag nalaman namin at napatunayan na may violation nga, P20K yung first offense, tapos dagdag ng dagdag yun," Marcial said as he appeared in the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum webcast.
"Kapag ang mga players naman ang nag-violate sa practice, P20,000 din sila."
The league is also adopting the 'closed circuit concept,' which is the PBA's version of 'The Bubble.'
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Under the model, players will have a strict daily routine of home-gym-home once the workout started.
"Ang players dapat bahay, sasakyan, gym. Dapat huwag kang aalis (sa concept)," said Marcial.
Breaking the routine by going elsewhere such as supermarkets or drugstore to buy necessities should be declared to the league.
"Kung lalabas ka at pupunta sa supermarket or drugstore dahil hindi mo naman mai-iwasan, kailangan sabihin mo kasi may (daily) log kami. Dapat sabihin mo kasi may sarili tayong protocol kapag lumabas ka sa bubble.
"Dapat may disiplina talaga."
Those who will violate the 'closed circuit concept' will be meted a starting fine of P5,000, with the amount increasing by the numbers of offense committed.(RG)
