NCAA basketball commissioner Rico Paolo Quicho on Wednesday released a statement on sportsmanship, camaraderie, and integrity of game results amid the ongoing season.
In the statement, Quicho emphasized that the league “upholds the values of fair play, mutual respect, inclusivity, and integrity as fundamental principles of collegiate sports.”
“These values are not mere ideals; they are obligations that bind every participant in our league—players, coaches, officials, team staff, referees, and the supporters.”
He also reminded that upholding the integrity of game results is a shared responsibility among referees, players, and coaches.
“Any conduct that casts doubt on the fairness of our competitions—whether through words, actions, or gestures—directly undermines the integrity of this league,” Quicho said in his statement.
“While emotions are inevitable in competitive play, hand gestures or even words implying that the game was ‘rigged’ or ‘cooked’ is totally unacceptable. It shows disrespect not only to the referees but also to opponents, teammates, coaches, the schools represented, and the NCAA as a whole. These actions have no place in collegiate sports and contradict the very spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie we aim to cultivate,” he added.
With this, Quicho reminded participants that respect towards game officials and decisions must be upheld at all times. Disagreements and clarifications must be addressed through proper channels, and any conduct that questions the credibility of the game will not be tolerated by the Commissioner.
“Moving forward, any player, coach, team official or spectator who engages in conduct that is inimical to the integrity of the league will be dealt with accordingly within the ambit of the Commissioner’s authority,” he added.
“Let this serve as a firm reminder to all participants and stakeholders: we will protect the integrity of the NCAA without compromise. We encourage passion and intensity in competition, but these must always be matched by discipline, respect, and honor.”
According to Quicho, he released the statement to show his support to referees and game officials.
“I have to stand with my referees and game officials and we continuously improve, and we want to have exacting standards from our referees. But for us to do that, I need to show them my 100% trust and confidence. That’s what we’re doing now,” Quicho told GMA News Online.
“I always tell our referees and game officials that they have my 100% trust and confidence so we have to work extra harder to make sure that the FIBA standards that we want to implement will be implemented properly, fairly, and equally to all schools.”
Quicho added the statement serves as a reminder to uphold the integrity of the games.
“Sometimes, gestures from the players, from the crowd, statements from players, from the crowd, assails the integrity of the game so I have to make sure that I correct it because we’re really doing our best to make sure that the quality of the games and the integrity of the results will be demonstrated for the season,” he added.
On Thursday, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy also commended Quicho’s statement.
“His message serves as an excellent reminder for all basketball stakeholders—that our shared commitment to integrity begins with respect for those who ensure fairness in our competitions: our game officials,” Dy said in a statement released to members of the basketball body, as shared by Quicho to GMA News Online.
“As much as we value the passion and opinions of everyone involved in the game, there is a proper forum for raising questions or concerns about officiating. League organizers should always be open to hearing valid feedback so that appropriate actions may be taken. However, public condemnation or criticism of game officials—especially by participants with inherent biases—must never be tolerated. Such actions not only undermine the officials themselves but also damage the reputation and integrity of the entire league,” she added.
“It is only when our referees and officials are supported and empowered that they can perform their duties confidently and impartially—free from unnecessary pressure and uncalled-for bantering from those directly involved in the games.”
—GMA Integrated News
