This modification will probably raise some eyebrows.
The PBA is changing things up for Season 48 in an ambitious bid to bring things back to normal and bring more excitement to the competition.
One of the changes Asia’s first pay-for-play league is banking on is the introduction of some new rules, including one sure to raise some eyebrows, particularly those of old-school fans.
Based on this new rule, three technical fouls are required before getting ejected from the game. This could give players more leeway to play the game—and perennial technical foul magnets such as Calvin Abueva of the Magnolia Hotshots and Beau Belga of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters more latitude.
Veteran sports journalist Quinito Henson explained the rule change on One PH’s Power & Play on Saturday.
“We’ve been so used that with two technical fouls, you’re out. Ngayon, the PBA will say that with three technical fouls, then you’re out,” said Henson.
“The reason why is because sometimes, a player gets a technical for something that’s not unsportsmanlike,” he added. “For instance, when a player shows a violation of decorum. It may not necessarily mean that he is unsportsmanlike. Maybe it just means he’s standing up, those kinds of protestations. There are many technical fouls that are not considered major violations, but yet they’re called technical fouls.”
It is a rather odd rule change, to say the least, as the two-technicals-and-you’re-out rule has been in play for decades and is being implemented in practically every other league in the Philippines and around the world.
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But as Henson pointed out, players in the PBA have been called for technical fouls for relatively minor infractions, like forgetting to inform game officials before subbing in or excessive complaining.
Put simply, the PBA, in the words of Henson, does not want to eject anyone for “something that is not that grave.”
Whether this rule change works or not, only time will tell, though, and the PBA will be reviewing it after the Commissioner’s Cup, which will open on November 5.
(PM)