THE UNIVERSITY Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) denied that there is a gender-based disparity in the compensation of its referees, saying the officiating fees are determined by division and merit.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Saturday, Sept. 27, the league clarified that it follows a “tiered, merit-based” structure designed to incentivize performance.
Officiating fees are also determined by division, not by gender, it added.
The system, according to the league, applies equally to referees across the collegiate men’s, collegiate women’s, and junior boys’ divisions.
“Officials’ fees… were set following a tiered, merit-based structure, that allows officials—regardless of gender—to perform well in order to officiate crucial games,” the UAAP said in response to
criticisms over the alleged unfair treatment of referees working in women’s and girls’ divisions.
The UAAP said the new system was adopted after consultations with referees and technical heads. It also gave an assurance that no diminution of fees from previous seasons would occur.
The collegiate league explained that the move is part of a larger referee development program aimed at aligning officiating standards with FIBA benchmarks.
“The adoption of the tiered system marks the initial step of the league to elevate these standards,” it said.
Previous reports claimed that the referees officiating men’s games would receive higher compensation than those working in women’s and girls’ matches, prompting UAAP coaches to speak out. F – Mc Neil Zyh Serrano
