NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

REGIONAL ATHLETIC MEET 2023

(NCR PALARO 2023)

GENERAL TECHNICAL GUIDELINES

I. INTERNATIONAL RULES AND GROUND RULES

1. The International rules and Regulations of the different sports events shall govern the
conduct of the regional Palaro, however, international rules amended by the “Ground
Rules” shall be adopted to suit local conditions. Ground rules supersede internationa
l rules, except for the following… equipment, playing venues, scoring and time durati
on as guided by the handbook of Palarong Pambansa.
2. Ground rules shall be agreed upon by the Coaches and Tournament Managers during
the Solidarity Meeting. The Coaches and Tournament Managers concerned must aff
ix their signature on the aforesaid documents and submit the same to the General R
eferee/Athletic Manager for approval.
II. OFFICIATING OFFICIALS
DepEd personnel shall be given priority to officiate in school sports competition, how
ever, non-DepEd personnel may be tapped whenever necessary.

III. MODIFICATIONS IN THE CONDUCT OF 2023 PALARONG PAMBANSA UNDER THE

“NEW NORMAL”

A. School Level/Competitions
1. All schools are encouraged to organize school sports clubs in adherence to the iss
ued guidelines of DepEd, adopting mandatory sports and preferred sports based
on context.
2. All organized school sports clubs must be duly recognized by their concerned Sch
ools Division Office authority/ies.
3. Selection of athletes is through conduct of Intramurals, try-outs, inter-sports club c
ompetitions or other modalities that can ensure selection of quality athletes.
4. Qualifying standards for measurable sports are not applied at this level of compet
ition. However, winner-take all policy shall be applied for team sports.
5. Schools are encouraged to participate in sports events in which they can compete
and advance to the next level of competitions.

A. Division Meet (Provincial/City Meet)

1. All School Division Offices are enjoined to organize their Schools Division Athletic
Association (SDAA) which shall be responsible for the management of Division Me
ets.
 2. The winner-take-all policy shall be applied in the representation of teams (school
sports club) to the next level of competition for team sports.
3. Schools Division Offices/SDAAs have the option to adopt qualifying time, distance
and score to establish standards for measurable sports.

B. Regional Meet
1. All Regional Offices are enjoined to organize their Regional Athletic Association (R
AA) which shall be responsible for the management of Regional Meets.
2. The winner-take-all policy shall be applied in representation of team sports to the
next level of competition. Only seven (7) team sports will be played during the Pre-
National Qualifying Meet (Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Football, Futsal, Sepak T
akraw and Volleyball).
3. Measurable sports such as athletics, swimming and archery shall adopt the quali
fying time, distance and score set for Palarong Pambansa.
4. Other sports that do not apply qualifying standards in the selection of athletes an
d are not identified as team sports, shall advance directly to the National Palaron
g Pambansa.
5. Regional Offices are encouraged to formulate policies, guidelines, rules and regul
ations that conform to Palarong Pambansa standards. Moreover, ROs can strategi
ze the conduct of Regional Meets on conditions that can ensure efficiency and effe
ctiveness in the selection of athletes who shall participate for the next level of spo
rts competition.

C. Pre-National Qualifying Meet (New Level)

1. The hosting of the Pre-National Qualifying Meets shall depend on the Palarong Pa
mbansa Regional Hosting Cycle (Luzon-Visayas-Luzon-Mindanao). This meet shall
be hosted by the region where the Palaro host-LGU belongs.
2. The team sports (Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Football, Futsal, Sepaktakraw an
d Volleyball) in the Pre-National Qualifying Meet shall be clustered based on Top 4
Palarong Pambansa 2019 ranking of regions by events. Drawing of lots for the rem
aining slots in each pool shall be applied.
3. When RAAs/SDAAs opted not to send their delegation and there shall only be eigh
t or lesser delegation/s available, the said delegation/s shall automatically qualif
y for the Palarong Pambansa.
III. NUMBER OF COACH
For NCR PALARO 2023 only, the following team events whose number of athletes ar
e ten (10) and above may have 0ne (1) Assistant Coach aside from the required num
ber of coach, however, assigning Assistant Coach is the prerogative of the Division.
The total coaching staff will only be two (2):
 Athletics (Elementary and Secondary Boys and Girls)
 Badminton (Elementary and Secondary Boys and Girls)
 Basketball (Elementary Boys and Secondary Boys and Girls)
 Baseball (Elementary and Secondary Boys)
 Boxing (Secondary)
 Football (Elementary and Secondary Boys)
 Sepak Takraw (Secondary Boys)
 Softball (Elementary and Secondary Girls)
 Taekwondo (Elementary and Secondary Boys and Girls)
 Volleyball (elementary and Secondary Boys and Girls)
 Wrestling (Secondary Boys)

IV. “NO COACH, NO PLAY” POLICY

1. The policy of “NO COACH, NO PLAY” shall be applied in the direction of the Pala
ro.

2. In cases of non-appearance of the coach the rulings below should be observed /f

ollowed:
2.1 The reason for non-appearance of the coach should be justifiable.
2.2 The coach should immediately inform his/her Division Sports Officer (DS
O) and the Tournament Manager (TM) the reason of non-appearance du
ring that particular event so that an immediate replacement can be done.
This is not to jeopardize the play of the athletes in that particular event.
2.3 Both DSO and TM should agree to the replacement.
2.4 The substitute coach should have served during the respective division
meet/palaro.

3. Request for replacement may be done in the following manner:

3.1 Through writing/text message/phone call a day before or within one (1)
hour before the start of that particular game.
3.2 The ESSD/RSO must be informed regarding the said request for replace
ment.

4. The request for replacement of coach shall only be applied to those team with on
e (1) coach only.

5. The team as mentioned in ITEM NO. 3 cannot anymore ask for replacement in ca
ses both coaches did not appear in that particular game.

6. Non-appearance of both coaches during the game will mean forfeiture of the gam
e in favour of the opponent.
V. DEFAULTING TIME AND FORFEITURE

1. Defaulting time is fifteen (15) minutes.

2. However, only the first scheduled game of the first day of the competition be give
n thirty (30) minutes defaulting time to give the team/athletes/coaches time to adj
ust to the proximity of the venue from their point of departure.

3. In the succeeding scheduled games from the first day up to the last day of the co
mpetition, the fifteen (15) minutes defaulting time as stated in the ground rules sh
all be applied.

4. ONLY the Tournament Manager has the right to declare a game won by default o
r forfeiture.

VI. CODE OF CONDUCT AND PROTEST

1. Officials and coaches who fail to observe the code of conduct and proper decoru
m shall be dealt with accordingly.

2. All unsportsmanlike conduct of coaches/chaperons/trainers and athletes are grou

nd for suspension. Furthermore, supporters (teammates, classmates, teachers, f
riends, parents, etc.) of the team concerned who are unruly during the games will
be the responsibility of the coach/division officials of that particular team in sendin
g them out of the playing area with the assistance of the peace and order officers
(policemen, barangay officials/security guard, etc.) present during the games.

3. Protest on technicalities arising from the games shall be resolved in the following
manners:

3.1 ONLY THE OFFICIAL COACH of the team has the right to file a protest.
3.2 The Tournament Manager concerned is empowered to conduct an on the
spot investigation and decide immediately on any protest.
3.3 If the protesting coach is not satisfied with the decision of the tournament
manager, a formal protest, signed by the coach and the Division Sports O
fficer concerned and noted by the head of the delegation maybe filed with t
he Jury of Appeal not later than 12 hours after the incident. The decision of
the Jury of Appeal is final.
3.4 When the violation on eligibility rules is proven in team competitions, the ga
mes in which the individual has taken part shall be declared forfeited in favo
ur of the opposing team. The individual performance in case of the individu
al events, shall be nullified.

VIII. DECLARATION OF THE OVERALL CHAMPION

1. The Olympic Medal count system will be used in declaring the Overall Champion.
 2. The Division garnering the most number of gold medals shall be declared team c
hampion in their respective level. In case of tie, the silver medals will be the basi
s and if there is still a tie, the bronze medal will break the tie. If the tie still exists, t
here will be two (2) champions.

3. In determining the overall champion, the total number of gold medals in the regul
ar events in the elementary and secondary shall be added.

4. In Special Events (PARA games) the overall champion, 1 st runner-up and 2nd runn
er-up shall be based on the number of gold medals garnered. In case of tie, the s
ilver medals will be the basis and if there is still a tie, the bronze medals will break
the tie. If the tie still exists, there will be two (2) champions.

IX. AWARDING OF MEDALS, TROPHIES AND CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION

AND PARTICIPATION

1. The Tournament Managers of the different sports events may conduct their respe
ctive awarding ceremonies at their respective venues. The first to fifth (1 st to 5th)
placers in the overall ranking in the elementary and secondary divisions will be a
warded trophies during the closing ceremonies. Likewise, trophies will also be a
warded to the most bemedalled athletes in the following events:

 Archery - Secondary Boys and Girls

 Arnis - Secondary Boys and Girls
 Athletics - Elementary and Secondary Boys and Girls
 Swimming - Elementary and Secondary Boys and Girls
 Gymnastics - Elementary and Secondary Boys and Girls

2. Special performance of athletes in the different sports events shall be given due r
ecognition through the issuance of Certificate of Recognition. These awards will
be given during the awards ceremonies of every sports event in their respective v
enues.

 Arnis (Elementary Boys and Girlls)

 MVP
 Best in Anyo

 Badminton (Elementary and Secondary Boys and Girls)

 MVP

 Basketball (Elementary Boys and Secondary Boys and Girls)

 MVP
 Best 3-Point shot Artist
 Mythical Five
o Best Power Forward
o Best Small Forward
o Best Point Guard
 o Best Off Guard
o Best Center

 Baseball (Elementary and Secondary Boys and Girls)

 MVP
 Best Pitcher
 Best Defensive Player
 Best Catcher
 Best Stolen Base
 Homerun King
 Best Run Batted-in (RBI)

 Chess (Elementary and Secondary Boys and Girls)

 Top Player (Individual)
 2nd Top Player (Individual)

 Football (Elementary and Secondary Boys)

 MVP
 Best Goal Keeper
 Best Striker
 Best Defensive Player

 Futsal (Elementary (Public School only) and Secondary Girls)

 MVP
 Best Goal Keeper
 Best Striker
 Best Defensive Player

 Sepak Takraw Jr. (Elementary Boys)

 Sepak Takraw (Secondary Boys and Girls)
 MVP
 Best Setter
 Best Spiker
 Best Tekong

 Softball (Elementary and Secondary Girls)

 MVP
 Best Pitcher
 Best Defensive Player
 Best Catcher
 Best Stolen Base
 Homerun Queen
 Best Run Batted-In (RBI)

 Table Tennis (Elementary and Secondary Boys and Girls)

o MVP
  Taekwondo
 MVP
 Best in Poomsae

 Tennis (Elementary and Secondary Boys and Girls)

 MVP

 Volleyball (Elementary and Secondary Boys and Girls)

 MVP
 Best Setter
 Best Opposite Hitter
 Best Middle Blocker 1
 Best Middle Blocker 2
 Best Outside Hitter 1
 Best Outside Hitter 2
 Best Libero

3. Certificate of Participation/Recognition will be given to the coaches, chaperons, tr

ainers, officiating officials, working committee and the management.

X. SELECTION OF ATHLETES AND COACHES

1. Selection of Athletes
Based on the Palarong Pambansa 2023 plans the selection of athletes for the
next level of competition (Palarong Pambansa) of the following sport events s
hall be done in this manner:
 Athletics and Swimming - meet the standard rule/time set by the
Palarong Pambansa Management:
 Archery - meet the standard rule set
 Team Sports – Winning Team (no selection)
Basketball, Baseball, Football, Futsal, Sepak Takraw, Softball,
Volleyball

2. In the selection of athletes to compose the NCR delegation to the Palarong Pam
bansa, the Regional Office will designate a five-man team to compose the Selecti
on Committee, namely;
 ESSD Chief / RSO
 Winning Coach
 Tournament Manager
 Officiating Officials (2) who have witnessed the performance of the
athletes

3. The Selection Committee headed by the ESSD Chief /RSO has the right to repla
ce selected players who will not be able to join/play in the Palarong Pambansa fo
r whatever reason/s that prevented them from joining.
4. If the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and placers athletes/team/coaches is not available for Palarong
Pambansa, the selection Committee headed by the ESSD Chief/RSO shall have
the authority to appoint the replacement.

5. In case the selected players and coach/es will not be able to join the Palarong Pa
mbansa he/she shall write a letter of explanation. The letter should be signed by
the parents of the athletes and the coach, the Division Sports Officers (DSO) and
noted by the Schools Division Superintendent concerned.

6. Composition of the Athletes

6.1 The number of players as specified below shall come from the champion tea
m. There will be no selection.

Event Number of Playe

rs
Basketball 12
Football 18
Baseball 12
Softball 12
Volleyball 12
Sepak Takraw 12

6.2 Racket games (Badminton, Table Tennis, Tennis)

6.2.1 The first (1st) and second (2nd) placers in the Singles event and the
first (1st) placer in Doubles are automatically selected to play in the
next level of competition (Palarong Pambansa)

6.2.2 The first (1st) and second (2nd) placers in the Singles event will pla
y in singles category while the first placers in doubles event will pl
ay doubles category.

6.2.3 Should anyone of the selected players in the singles become indis
posed or for any reason becomes unavailable, the next in rank,
the 3rd placer shall replace the player affected.

6.2.4 If one of the champion players in Doubles will not be able to play, t
he replacement shall be taken from one of the second place winn
er in the doubles. Play-off between the 2 nd placer athletes will be
conducted as to determine the best between them.

6.2.5 Further replacement in the team composition (Singles and Double

s) shall be determined by the Palaro Management and the Selecti
on Committee.

6.2.5 If when the Palarong Pambansa Rule for Racket Games is to send
two athletes only. The four athletes shall play Singles using the d
 ouble elimination and the top 2 athletes shall represent the region
for the Palarong Pambansa.

6.3 Individual Games

 Billiard : top winner in 8 balls and 9 balls

 Dance Sports : top couples in Standard and Latin dances
 Chess : the individual standing of the athletes (Top Two
players)
 Gymnastics : Individual All-Around standing (IAA)
 Taekwondo : Individual results
 Boxing : Individual champion
 Arnis : Individual standing in the different weight
categories for the secondary level and team
champion for the elementary level
 Wrestling : Individual Champion
 Wushu : Individual Champion
 Pencak Silat : Individual Champion
 Aero Gymnastics : Individual Champion

6.4 Selection of Coaches

6.4.1 The management shall have the authority to appoint a replacement in

case of unavailability of winning coaches for the next level of competiti
on (Palarong Pambansa).
 Team Sports
- Coach of the Champion team

 Racket Games
- The coach of the top winning Singles player shall be the
designated coach.
- In case the designated coach will not be available said coach
will be replaced by the second top winning Singles coach.
Individual Games
The selection of the coach on the following events will be as follows:
 Archery : Overall Champion
 Arnis : Overall Champion
 Athletics : Overall Champion
 Billiard : Top Individual
 Boxing : Overall Champion
 Chess : Top Individual Player
 Dance Sports : Top in Standard and Latin Dances
 Gymnastics : Champion of IAA
  Swimming : Highest number of medals garnered
by the team
 Taekwondo : Overall Champion
 Wrestling : Overall Champion
 Wushu : Overall Champion
 Pencak Silat : Overall Champion
6.4.2 In case that the overall champion does not have player in the team, the
coach concerned will be replaced by the 2 nd rank coach with a player.
If in case the 2nd rank coach still does not have player in the team, t
he Palaro Management shall appoint a replacement.

XI. REPORTS ON THE CONDUCT OF REGIONAL ATHLETIC MEET

For a smooth and orderly conduct of the Regional Palaro coordination among the me
mbers of the different committees are necessary. Hence, all prepared reports are to
be submitted to the designated committee. The final overall reports will be submitted
to the Regional Director by the ESSD Chief. The following are tasked to prepare and
submit the necessary reports needed:
1. Tournament Manager
 Submits the day-today results of the games to the Records Committee.
 Prepares narrative report on the conduct of their respective sports event t
o submitted to the Secretariat Committee.
 Disseminate evaluation sheets to be answered by the officiating officials, c
oaches and players and to be submitted to the Evaluation Committee.
 Tournament Managers and/or assistant tournament managers and at
least two witnesses are advised to utilize the attached Incident Report
template to document and record details of an incident, injury, security
incident, any other unforeseen event and/or behavior from unauthorized
individuals relative to non-adherence to Regional Meet 2023 General
Technical Rules and Guidelines and agreed ground rules that may occur
at the playing venue during the games.

2. Evaluation Committee
 Formulate evaluation checklist and form to be distributed to the Tourname
nt Managers.
 Prepares the report based on the results of the evaluation to be submitted
to the Secretariat Committee / Office of the ESSD Chief.

3. Technical and Documentation Committee

 Sees to the coverage of all the games and other significant events (pictur
es and video)
 Submits complete files to the Office of the ESSD Chief.
 Assists / Coordinates with the Records Committee in preparing the Techni
cal Forms
 4. Secretariat (Members of the RSAC)

 Collects all the reports and results of the Palaro

 Prepares the overall regional report on the proceedings of the Regional M
eet and other significant events that happened including the action taken/r
ecommendations for future reference.
 Submits reports to the Office of the ESSD Chief to be submitted to the Re
gional Director.

5. Records/Game Results Committee

 Analyses the results of the game
 Records the day-to-day results of the games
 Finalizes the official results of all sports events by events/division/regional
 Documents all records of the results of the games
 Submits the records to the Office of the ESSD Chief.

XII. PALARO REFERENCES

The following are references relative to the holding of the Regional Palaro

1. Palarong Pambansa 2018

2. Regional Athletic Meet Technical Guidelines 2018
3. DepEd Implementing Guidelines of the 2023 Modified Palarong Pambansa Com
petitions
4. Modifications in the Conduct of the 2023 Palarong Pambansa under the “New No
rmal”