Reforms sought on recruiting student athletes

MANILA, Philippines - As the Senate steps in with a proposed “Magna Carta for Student Athletes” that sought to institutionalize their rights and curb the “commercialization” and “piracy” in collegiate leagues, the UAAP said it was initiating reforms to address the raging issues.

Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2166 filed by Sen. Pia Cayetano sought to empower the student-athlete with the choice of school and  the right to be free from any act of restriction or punishment for choosing to transfer to another school, in effect outlawing the controversial two-year residency ruling of the UAAP for transferring high school graduates.

The measure also sought to affirm the amateur nature of school-sanctioned athletic competitions and curb the alleged practice of offering student-athletes or their parents incentives “beyond reasonable allowances” for tuition, food, transportation, and lodging, etc.

During Thursday’s public hearing, University of the East president Ester Albano Garcia said they have hired consultancy firm KPMG to review the UAAP’s organizations and rules. “Please look at it as a step towards reforms in the UAAP. We are hoping to have amendments this year and we appeal to you please give us time to implement these reforms.”

As to “piracy” and “excessive perks” for recruits, UP College of Human Kinetics Dean Ronnie Dizer proposed to “restrict visitations between high school athletes and recruiters/influential alumni” and set a “limit” to the material benefits and signing bonuses given to prospects. 

Far Eastern U athletic director Mark Molina also suggested the reporting of every benefit a student-athlete receives from his school and the appointment of an independent compliance officer who will monitor them.