Lack of venues for games is holding up preparations for Season 83 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
And this is just one of the hurdles that is confronting incoming host De La Salle University when they officially accept the hosting rights from outgoing host Ateneo de Manila University.
“We are not talking about the next season yet. And we have no ready venues,” said Edwin Reyes, La Salle’s representative to the league’s board of directors.
So far, most of the venues that the league usually uses to stage games are currently being used as quarantine facilities for coronavirus patients, or a testing facility.
Board members are set to meet next week, but discussions will be limited to closing ceremony that is being planned at the end of Season 82.
Reyes said the league needs advice from the government and the Interagency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases on when they can proceed with the season.
He explained that many school teams will need three or four months to get ready once the greenlight is given.
The incoming hosts are looking forward to having a full calendar of events during their watch.
And this will mean that they will have to closely follow the format of the Southeast Asian Games, in which many events begin at the same time.
Under such a format, Season 83 could within end within one semester.