Organizers of the 96th National Collegiate Athletic Association are preparing for the worst as the country emerges from lockdowns and quarantines imposed throughout Luzon to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Incoming management committee chairman Fr. Vic Calvo of Colegio de San Juan de Letran said they might just have at least four events this season, which could open in the last quarter of the year.
“We will have to make decisions on this and as soon as a turnover happens,” said Calvo, who will assume his post once Season 95 host Arellano University officially turns over the hosting rights to the school.
Calvo said they are finding it difficult to prepare for the coming season after the country went into a series of lockdowns since March.
For one, the teams involved will need at least three months to prepare.
And with member schools expecting to open their school-year around September or October, Season 96 could start in December or in January 2021.
With many teams needing time to prepare and practice, Calvo said core events like basketball, volleyball, swimming, and athletics are the only activities they may hold throughout the season.
“Depende na ito sa magiging decision ng NCAA at sa advise ng Malacanang,” added Calvo.
Calvo explained that advisories from the Interagency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases is needed in the NCAA's decision-making activities in the coming days.
There were a total of 26 events that were held last season, with only 11 completed following quarantine measures that were implemented starting March 15.
Calvo added that they are still hopeful that broadcast partner ABS-CBN will be around to air the games on television.
The TV network went off the air on midnight Tuesday after its franchised ended.
