09/08/2026
GOOD DAY, EVERYONE!
Over the past few days, we have noticed that some U16 teams may not have fully explained to their supporters the reasons behind the cancellation of their remaining games.
From the organizers' side, we would like to clarify that this decision was not made arbitrarily, nor was it made out of disregard for our players, teams, or constituents. Rather, it was made because we have a responsibility to uphold the rules and regulations that were established from the very beginning of the tournament.
Allow us to walk everyone through the timeline:
JULY 1, 2026
The Organizing Committee posted the official call for submission of team names and players. The post clearly stated the eligibility requirements, as well as the basic rules and regulations governing the tournament.
JULY 25, 2026
The Organizing Committee met with all Team Heads and players for the drawing of lots. During this meeting, the rules and regulations were once again discussed and reiterated to all participating teams.
JULY 29, 2026
A first warning was issued after players from the U16 category were found to have participated in the Intersitio Category, despite the organizers' clear prohibition against such participation.
AUGUST 3, 2026
A second warning was issued after non-residents attempted to participate, and in some instances were able to play, despite the existing residency requirements.
AUGUST 5, 2026
A final warning was issued following the participation of overaged players in the U16 category.
Throughout the games held on July 27โ28 and August 2โ4, there were several instances where the Organizing Committee had to repeatedly intervene and decline players who were not eligible to participate. These incidents, coupled with the repeated warnings, demonstrated a continued disregard of the tournament's rules and the authority of the committee tasked to implement them.
We also understand that many of you have invested your time, effort, and personal resources in supporting your respective teams. We recognize that some parents, supporters, and team members have spent money to help make this tournament possible.
That is precisely why, from the very beginning, we on the organizers' side also made every effort to make this tournament accessible, equitable, and enjoyable for everyone.
We deliberately set the registration fee at ZERO PESOS so that financial capacity would not become a barrier for young athletes who wanted to participate. We also worked to make the prize pool bigger, despite having no registration fees, because we wanted the players to feel that their effort and talent were valued.
In other words, we did our part to remove financial barriers and provide a meaningful competition. In return, all we ask from the teams is to respect the rules that were agreed upon from the beginning.
We would like to emphasize that we are simply doing our job as an Organizing Committee.
When we started this tournament, we had three things in mind: sportsmanship, camaraderie, and discipline. We wanted to create an environment where young athletes could compete fairly, respect one another, and learn that following rules is just as important as winning a game.
Unfortunately, the repeated violations have made it difficult for us to achieve these objectives.
The cancellation of the U16 games is therefore not a punishment made out of personal preference. It is a decision made to protect the integrity, fairness, and credibility of the entire tournament.
We sincerely appreciate everyone who supported their teams, financially or otherwise. We know that this decision may be disappointing, especially for those who invested in the tournament.
However, allowing repeated violations simply because people have already spent money would be unfair to the teams and players who followed the rules from the beginning.
Rules only have meaning when they are consistently enforced.
We thank everyone who has participated and supported the tournament, and we hope that this experience reminds us that sportsmanship does not end when the game begins, it starts with respecting the rules.
Thank you for your understanding.
๐จ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ธ๐ฒ๐๐ฏ๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐๐ป๐๐ต๐๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐๐๐, ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ!
Nangita na ba mo sa ikaduhang category sa atong basketball league?
Dia na ang U16 Category para sa atong mga pinalanggang Tugbonganon!
Prizes:
๐ฅ CHAMPION: Php 5,000.00 + Trophy
๐ฅ2nd PLACER: Php 3,000.00 + Trophy
๐ฅ3rd PLACER: Php 2,000.00 + Trophy
Registration fee? โจ๏ธLIBRE! โจ๏ธ
Here are the guidelines to join the league:
1. Form a team within your SITIO consisting of the following:
1.1 Players born on year 2010 and after.
1.2 Minimum of 12 players and maximum of 15 players.
2. Submit your list via messenger in this account or any Member on or before July 22, 2026.
3. Prepare your supporting documents (National ID, Live Birth or any ID confirming your age) on or before the Sports Clinic.
4. Teams limited to maximum of 12 only, so hurry and claim your slots.
Addendum:
While we are very happy that many of the players in U16 wants to join, we'd like to make it clear that THOSE PLAYING IN THE INTERSITIO CATEGORY THAT ARE STILL 16 Y/O AND BELOW ARE NO LONGER QUALIFIED TO JOIN the U16 category.
The rationale behind this is that we have diversified our categories for the purpose of letting all age groups be able to enjoy the league. We hope your kind understanding. Let's give other players the opportunity to play the sports.
