UAAP to reduce drums during games

The UAAP Board of Managing Directors on Monday confirmed social media reports that the league will reduce the number of drums to be used by the cheering squads during games for Season 81.

UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag said the move is for the improvement of communication between coaches, players, and officials inside the venues.

UAAP Exec. Director Rebo Saguisag on the new UAAP drum policy: Only experimental. pic.twitter.com/ulD77v2lex

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) September 3, 2018

"The move is not without reason. 'Di naman 'yun unilaterally decided to remove the drums. We spoke with the coaches. The game is not only about the drums. It's a small part of the game. We need more communication between the coaches and players, the coaches and officials," Saguisag said.

"The idea was a gradual change. We will check the records on how many [drums] were allowed last year. We will come up with a memo clarifying exactly how many drums will be allowed."

Saguisag, however emphasized that the move will only be experimental.

"For all we know, after the first few days, pag talagang kulang, edi dadagdagan. Wala namang problema," he added.

According to initial reports, each cheering squad are allowed to bring only one bass and two snare drums, down from the current number which allows two snare and five bass drums per school. 

Last week, some netizens tweeted with the hashtag #StandWithUAAPDrummers to show dissent against the new UAAP policy.

UAAP Season 81 will open on Saturday, September 8, at the Mall of Asia Arena. —JST, GMA News