The 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference will feature more international referees during the matches, especially during the semifinals and Finals.
The PVNF and PVL will look to guarantee that no more officiating controversies will happen during the upcoming 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference following their decision to bring in more international referees during matches.
PNVF and AVC President Tats Suzara made the announcement during the pre-season press conference held at Novotel Cubao on Monday, Nov. 4.
Suzara added that the partnership with the PVL has also appointed international referee and chairman of the Referees Commission of the PNVF, Yul Benosa, as the referee delegate of the PVL.
“This way, it also raises the level of our referees in the PVL and puts international referees in all the matches,” said Suzara.
More importantly, come the semifinals and Finals, Suzara said that the game will be handled by “international neutral referees.”
“The PVNF will support PVL in the semifinals and Finals to bring international neutral referees nearby, so Hong Kong, Thailand for two or three weeks so that there is really a fair decision by the officiating referees,” Suzara explained.
Recall that the PVL faced controversy during the 2024 Reinforced Conference semifinals after a net touch challenge by the PLDT High Speed Hitters against the Akari Chargers was deemed unsuccessful.
For their part, PVL chairman Ricky Palou said that they will look to further educate coaches and players on the rules through a technical workshop.
“We’ve invited the coaches and captain balls of all the teams, and the managers that want to attend, they’re welcome to attend,” said Palou. “Here, all the rules and regulations of the game will be better explained to everybody.
With the arrival of international referees, the PVL will look to ensure that calls and challenges will be backed by their experience and expertise.