The death of those stupid residency rules in Philippine college sports

After years of fighting these stupid and inane rules, it is now a thing of the past. Am certainly happy to play a part in this. 

Made three senate appearances as a resource person as I provided the initial evidence in the fight against these stupid rules.

"Unjust practice of residency rules, a thing of the past.”

Statement of Senator Pia S. Cayetano

Chairperson

Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

On the passage of the Student-Athletes Protection Bill

“With the approval by the Senate and the House of the bicameral version of the Student-Athletes Protection Bill, the unjust practice of residency rules for high school students going to a different college will be a thing of the past.”

“In past years, school sports associations have imposed residency rules on student-athletes that unfairly restricted their choice of school and their growth as athletes.”

“We recognize the important role of school athletic associations in developing the skills, character and potential of our youth through competitive sports. I also believe in their right to self-regulation. However, when interest groups within these associations refuse to act and address the concerns of student-athletes, then the government needs to step in to regulate their actions to ensure that the rights of the vulnerable are protected. In this case, it is the student-athletes whom we must protect from being commodified and subjected to unethical practices of some schools and organizations.”

“Aside from setting rules regulating residency practices, this measure also sets guidelines on benefits and incentives that schools may offer and grant to student-athletes, and even to members of their family. We must keep in mind the amateur status of varsity players. Luring them with excessive incentives goes against the amateur nature of school sports and amounts to commercialization of the athlete.”

“Who doesn't love college sports and seeing their team win? We all do. But let's not forget that these athletes are first and foremost, students. Thus, their rights as a student and an amateur athlete must be protected and respected.”

“The passage of this bill would not have been possible without the help of my colleagues who share a common commitment for youth and sports development. I laud the efforts of our counterparts in the House, particularly Deputy Speaker Robbie Puno, who is the principal author of the House version, and Rep. Anthony Del Rosario, chair of the House Committee on Youth and Sports Development, as well as the chair of the Senate Committee on Games, Amusement and Sports, Senator Sonny Angara.”  #

Highlights of the Student-Athletes Protection Bill:

RESIDENCY OF STUDENT-ATHLETES

- Student athletic associations shall not impose residency requirements on a student-athlete who is a high school graduate enrolling in a college or university;

- No residency requirement on a high school student-athlete transferring from one high school to another high school: Provided, That, to address the issue of piracy, a maximum of one (1) year residency may be imposed by an athletic association on a high school student-athlete who transfers from one member school to another;

- For tertiary student-athlete, a maximum of one year residency may be imposed by an athletic association before a student-athlete could participate and represent a school in any athletic competition;

BENEFITS AND INCENTIVES

Schools may grant a deserving student-athlete the following benefits and incentives:

- Tuition and miscellaneous school fees including books and other learning materials;

- Full board and lodging;

- School and athletic uniforms including supplies, equipment and paraphernalia;

- A reasonable regular monthly living allowance;

- Medical examinations and consultations, emergency medical services, life and medical insurance; and

- Other reasonable and similar benefits that would further enhance the student-athlete’s academic and athletic performance.

AUTHORITY OF THE DEPED AND CHED

The DepEd and CHED shall regulate and oversee school athletic associations to ensure that the rights of student-athletes are respected and protected. They are likewise authorized to handle complaints against the school athletic associations, and schools.

SANCTIONS AND PENALTIES

The DepEd or CHED, may also impose the appropriate penalties under relevant laws, rules or regulations, as follows:

- On erring schools:

Any violation of the provisions of this Act shall be punishable by suspension from participating in the athletic organization/s and/or a fine ranging from P100,000 to P1,000,000 depending on the gravity of the offense; and

- On erring athletic associations:

Any violation of the provisions of this Act shall be punishable by a fine ranging from P100,000 to P1,000,000 depending on the gravity of the offense.

Nevertheless, any of the persons mentioned in the Bill shall not be prevented from filing a temporary restraining order or any other injunctive relief in court if there is no other plain, speedy, and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law.