International referees to work on PSL finals

MANILA, Philippines — A pair of guest referees from Thailand is set to officiate the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix best-of-three finals series between Petron and F2 Logistics.

International referees Komsun Gettaworn and Jirasak Pumduang will arrive on Monday to make sure that the officiating would be accurate and objective to both the Blaze Spikers and the Cargo Movers, who will be figuring in the titular showdown for sixth straight time.

Their invitation was through the effort of the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. in cooperation with the Asian Volleyball Confederation and the Thailand Volleyball Association.

“While we are very satisfied with the performance of our local referees, the participation of guest referees from Thailand would definitely spice up the finals series between Petron and F2 Logistics,” said PSL chairman Philip Ella Juico, adding that they have been inviting foreign referees to officiate the finals of the Grand Prix for the past four years.

“Aside from that, this concept of allowing foreign guest-referees also put the PSL in the community of leagues that strictly adheres to fair play and respect to the sport.”

The PSL is very mindful of the quality of its officiating.

In fact, the PSL has been conducting referee workshop with PSL coaches to make sure that they are on the same page on competition rules and regulations while understanding the technical limitations of volleyball technology against human officiating.

The league will also continue to use the video challenge system, giving game officials extra help in making crucial calls.

“With the guest referees and the video challenge system, we’re looking forward to a fair, just and exciting finals series. We’re glad to have Mr. Gettaworn and Mr. Pumduang on board,” Juico said.