On the initiative of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, a first-ever joint referees workshop participated in by game officials from the NCAA and UAAP was conducted on Sept. 18 at Jose Rizal University in Mandaluyong.

Gracing the event were UAAP executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag and NCAA commissioner Atty. Rico Paolo Quicho. Among those present was SBP’s Mark Solano, the NCAA deputy commissioner.

UAAP commissioner Jai Reyes collaborated with SBP and the NCAA to make the seminar happen.

UAAP Season 88, with Santo Tomas U as host, opened at the UST Quadrangle last Sept. 19, while NCAA Season 101 kicks off on Oct. 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with Mapua as host.

A total of 120 referees equally divided between the country’s two premier collegiate leagues attended the workshop.

Resource speakers were multi-titled PBA coach Ryan Gregorio, SBP technical academy head Andrew Teh and FIBA instructor and former international referee Bong Pascual.

“We are appreciative of both the UAAP and the NCAA in their willingness to raise officiating standards in the country,” said SBP executive director Erika Dy.

“Federations should bridge the local basketball community to FIBA — if they are willing and ready for FIBA standards, then we assist them in achieving that.”