MANILA — Every time a PBA finals series ensues, the fans always keep a keen eye on the referees as a simple officiating error can change the complexion of the entire series.
Commissioner Willie Marcial, however, assured both San Miguel Beer, Magnolia Hotshots, and their fans that the quality of the officiating in the best-of-seven series, starting Friday, will be at a maximum as he will only deploy best-fit referees.
Marcial revealed that the screening of referees, who will officiate the crucial games, has actually started since the quarterfinals.
“During the eliminations, we have 8 referees. At the quarterfinals, it became 12. For the semifinals, 10,” said Marcial in an interview.
He further said there is a possibility that the number of referees will be trimmed down for the championship round, as well as the probability of keeping the semifinal pool for the said series.
“We are looking at eight or 10 of our best referees,” Marcial said. “We are grading them, we will field the ones who will get the highest grades for the finals so that the coaches will no longer have anything to say.” (Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA)
