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Pro sports scrimmages now allowed in GCQ areas

In a major step toward opening the new season for domestic pro leagues, teams can now hold scrimmages in GCQ areas. AFC (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--The Games and Amusements Board has cleared all the professional teams to do scrimmages in areas under the classic General Community Quarantine amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the updated version of the joint administrative order on sports practices and games amid the pandemic, which was revealed on Thursday, clubs can now push through with their bubble training in GCQ areas provided that the sessions will take place inside a bubble for at least 15 days.

Initially, only PBA teams have been allowed to conduct scrimmages in the regular GCQ areas through IATF Resolution 114, prompting most of the teams to set up closed circuit training in various locations in Batangas City.

[Related Story: PBA teams now cleared to hold scrimmages in GCQ areas]

But with the new JAO, member teams of other pro leagues like the PFL, PVL, NBL, WNBL, and Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 can now resume their practices as well.

On the other hand, GAB has also allowed fight sports organizers to hold their events in GCQ areas with the prerequisite that they should also be of a bubble type.

GAB has also cleared the holding of billiards and esports tournament bubbles in GCQ areas but maintained that the pro basketball leagues, PFL, and PVL can only hold matches in MGCQ areas.

The PVL has already tapped the Centennial Arena in Laoag as the bubble host of its new season.

“We want to thank the IATF and the DOH for helping us forge this new policy direction and for recognizing the plight of our professional athletes and stakeholders, especially during these challenging times,” said GAB chairman Baham Mitra. “This new order will help both our athletes and the leagues to move forward and break the pandemic sabbatical effect as we really need to keep our athletes in sporting shape.”

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno

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