By Angel Joyce C. Basa

University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 announced the return of pre-pandemic protocols for the upcoming volleyball tournament in a media conference earlier today, February 22, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“We’ll be going back to pre-pandemic protocols, so shaking hands, high fives, switching around of courts, et cetera–so it’s all pre-pandemic,” UAAP Season 85 commissioner Michael Verano said.

UAAP executive director Atty. Rene Saguisag Jr. also added the updated guidelines for the COVID-19 testing of the players and seating plans for the upcoming games. 

“With regard to ‘yung (the) antigen test or whatever kind of test, for as long as the LGU (local government unit) or the venue does not require [it], wala na (there’s no need).  And with that, may we also add that the patron area will also now be open to the fans for a closer UAAP experience,” he stated.

A challenge system will also be added to the return of old protocols by the second round of the volleyball tournament.

“We’ll start the challenge system in the second round. The reason for this is the availability of the actual system. Therefore, concurrent leagues, tournaments ongoing in the first quarter, and the UAAP is the last to begin the season, so availability has been a challenge,” Verano mentioned.

The UAAP Season 85 collegiate volleyball tournament will officially start on February 25 with a match between the men’s volleyball teams of the University of the East Red Warriors and University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers to open the event.

Both men’s and women’s teams of Far Eastern University will have their first game against the University of the Philippines on February 26 at the same venue.

(Photo by Alyssa Andrea Quiogue/FEU Advocate)