Don’t be surprised if you see women referees working the games in the PBA Governors’ Cup which begins today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Edith Boticario and Janine Nicandro will be a common sight in the league’s season-ending tournament after PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa stamped his approval on the inclusion of the two officials in the roll of referees that will work the import-laced conference.
“We believe in the ability of women and we want them to play a more active role in the league. I think having women referees in our games will be good for the league long-term. Gone are the days when the game of basketball was confined to just the men,” Narvasa said.
“The role of women in society transcends beyond the confines of home and office. Women of this generation are actively involved in just about anything and everything and their presence and achievements have been acknowledged the world over. In the field of sports, women are just as successful as the men. Their impact in the global market is simply awesome. So I think tapping women referees will be good for the PBA.”