UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag said the projection is based on government guidelines on the regulation of sports and classes.
Saguisag said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) guidelines prohibit full-contact sports and related trainings even under the more relaxed modified general community quarantine setting.
The UAAP Board also considered the Philippine Sports Commission’s declaration that sporting events cannot resume unless there is a vaccine for COVID-19.
The eight schools comprising the collegiate league also noted the Department of Education’s directive that classes will resume on August 24. They also considered the Commission on Higher Education's ruling to open classes in universities and colleges on September 1.
“Once face-to-face classes start, you have to give a window for the student-athlete to prepare,” said Saguisag in a statement.
The UAAP executive director emphasized that the target opening of Season 83 is not yet final as the association is taking extra steps in ensuring the safety of its athletes and the students in general.
“Intercollegiate leagues such as ours may have to be more cautious and prudent in its approach," declared Saguisag. "Everything is on the table and the board of managing directors is carefully preparing for different scenarios which will be presented to the board of trustees for approval.”
The UAAP board cancelled the remainder of the 82nd season on April 7 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among the sports affected by the cancellation are volleyball, beach volleyball, football, baseball, softball, athletics, lawn tennis, 3x3 basketball, and streetdance.
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