Arnold Mesa, who was tasked coordinate the league for the veteran cagers said in an interview yesterday that the rules of Federation of International Basketball Associations will be applied to the league.
The BANMI-sanctioned 2008 Masters Basketball League will serve as preparation for the CNMI’s participation in the 2009 Masters Olympic Games that will be held in Sydney, Australia in October 2009.
Mesa said that since this event is sanctioned by FIBA, it is important that the participating teams familiarize themselves as earlier as possible with the international sports organization’s rules.
The Masters League organizing committee will take a closer look at the individual’s requirements as soon as the teams submit their rosters.
And when the games start, the rules ranging from proper wearing of uniform to compliance with game schedules will be strictly implemented.
The purpose of this, Mesa said is to closely monitor how teams internalize FIBA rules.
The final roster of the participating teams, he said should include four players who are 35 to 39 years old. The rest of the team members must be 40 and above.
Mesa said five teams already signed up for the league, and they still inviting five more.
Also, with regards to game schedule, Mesa also explained that many basketball events will be accommodating the Gilbert C. Ada Gym.
Aside from the Inter-government/business Basketball Tournament and the Saipan Rotary Club Youth Basketball League that opened two days ago, the BANMI also plans to open the 25-and-under tournament.
So it is really important that each game starts right on time because the other leagues will be affected by any delay.
Mesa added that lapses in the following rules can also delay not only the games but also the other leagues.
“Coaches and team managers have to be aware about rules being implemented strictly to avoid unnecessary delay,” Mesa said.
Some veteran cagers were designated earlier this month to be the Masters League officials.
Aside from Mesa, the other members of the committee are Rey Basa, Joe Pangelinan, Andy Nepaial, Rey Takai, Tony Sablan and Joe Punzalan.
They will officiate the league on voluntarily basis.
The Masters League which Tony Rogolifoi took care before is now under the watch of Mesa.
The Masters league which was supposed to be held last March was deferred due to bigger sports event and continuous power outages.
The World Olympic in Australia, Mesa said will motivate and increase the enthusiasm of the island’s veteran basketball players and fans.
Dubbed as “the largest league in planet” for having 29 different sports for athletes 35 years and older, the World Olympics, Mesa will be joined by veteran cagers from 94 countries.
In the past, Mesa said veteran NBA players and Olympic gold medalists played in the said tournament, and he guaranteed it will always give NMI veteran players something to look forward.
