In its bid to improve the quality of the games, the UAAP will have its own set of referees.
UAAP president Nilo Ocampo bared this during the press conference on Monday in the presence of other board members as well as the coaches and players from the eight universities.
The new season unfurls on September 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena, with Ateneo opening its title-retention bid on Sunday.
"We look forward to its success. We're hoping to improve the quality of the game," said Ocampo.
New UAAP commissioner Junel Baculi brought up the idea of hiring an exclusive group of game officials to Ocampo and executive director Rebo Saguisag. The referees will only call UAAP games.
"They cannot officiate in other leagues even if we suspend them - if ever there will be a suspension," Baculi said.
"Every game they will be at the venue except if there will be split venues. That's the idea."
Baculi was worried budget might get in the way of this idea coming to fruition. Fortunately, it got the approval from the managing directors and board of trustees.
"You know, the budget will be a major obstacle in turning this to reality. So I asked the president, Mr. Nilo, to present it to the managing directors and eventually to the board of trustees. We got the approval," Baculi said.
The selection process began three weeks ago. The UAAP currently has 25 game officials in its stable.
"We have gotten 25 referees to handle all our basketball games," he said.