I had the privilege of attending many meetings by the Basketball Association of the Philippines-XI Regional Board and later renamed Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas-XI presided over by the late regional director Regino “Boy” Cua.
During those meetings, I see lawyers Reuben Abarquez, Nonot Dayanghirang, Francis Calatrava, and Linda Tesoro. And usually Boy Cua would invite some members of the Davao Sportswriters Association to keep the sports scribes updated of what’s going on with amateur basketball development in the region.
The main topics would normally consist of the busy schedules for elementary, high school and college leagues, participation to regional or national competitions and sometimes international tournaments, and referee development.
Atty.Calatrava, the referees’ commissioner, would talk about his report to the Board members but first, he would crack some jokes, ang uban corny hehehe.
Referee development is one area that the lawyer-referee would like to be strengthened. And with Boy Cua agreeing to it, what happens next is he will invite International Referees (IRs) from Manila to come to Davao and hold referees’ refresher course.
During those years of basketball activities, I could not remember seeing one lady referee joining the course. I don’t know why I failed to even ask the Board about it. We’ve been covering men’s and women’s basketball for years and I have not thought of the idea of having women referees in the region.
It should have never been a man’s world. Women should also be very much involved in basketball officiating. My apologies Ladies.
However, when coach Ronel Leuterio informed this corner that they have started developing women referees for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas-XI now headed by regional director Glenn Escandor, I am very happy.
“Panahon na rin na meron ng women referees,” said Leuterio.
Leuterio has recruited Mary Jane Dayandayan and three others.
Mary Jane, however, is the only that is currently active.
“Na encourage ako ni coach Ronel hanggang na gustohan ko naring mag referee,” said Mary Jane.
She said aside from getting the exercise that she wanted, she also has been earning good money in the process.
A referee’s job has never been easy. Some players would threaten them and unfortunately, by some fans too. “Sala sa referee, wala ni pito ug klaro”, a statement like that is what you will normally hear. And sometimes worse, “Na bayaran tong referee sa pikas team”.
That reminds me of one hot-headed player hitting a referee that resulted to his banishment from BAP-organized leagues.
Because of the nature of their work, referees must always be in tip-top shape. Physically ready, mentally alert and always updated with the rules.
Regional director Escandor has given his blessings to develop women referees in the region under the watch of his secretary-general, coach Ronel.
It’s about time indeed coach Ronel.
And I hope to see one day that there will be women International Referees from Davao.
Right boss Glenn?
