In the Line of Fire: UAAP Referee Speaks Amid Coaching Criticism
Amid rising tensions in UAAP Season 88 over controversial calls and public criticism from coaches, a referee has decided to speak up.
Roselle Ferreria Ponting, a UAAP basketball official, took to social media to share a personal and emotional response to the backlash directed at game officials in recent weeks. Her message comes after multiple coaches, including UE’s Chris Gavina, NU’s Jeff Napa, and Ateneo’s Tab Baldwin, have gone on record criticizing officiating, raising concerns about consistency, accountability, and bias in crucial games.
Ponting began her statement by reminding players, coaches, and fans of the role referees play in the game.
“Referees are not the enemy. We’re not the reason a team wins or loses – we’re just doing our best to keep the game fair and flowing. Behind every whistle is a person who has trained, studied, and worked hard to make the right calls under intense pressure.”
Her comments come just days after UE head coach Chris Gavina’s expletive-laced outburst after a controversial overtime loss to La Salle. Gavina lashed out at the officiating, calling a key ejection on one of his players “a complete disservice” and implying that referees favored more prominent programs.
“You’re not giving us calls because we’re not one of these top four teams,” Gavina said after the game. He also claimed that all eight UAAP coaches are experiencing the same disservice, suggesting widespread frustration among league coaches.
Ponting offered a contrasting perspective from inside the pressure cooker that is UAAP officiating.
“We don’t step on that field to ruin someone’s game; we step there because we love the sport and believe in fairness. Every decision we make is guided by what we see, what we’ve learned, and what’s right – never by bias or emotion.”
Other coaches, such as Napa and Baldwin, have also voiced concern, though in less heated terms. Napa pointed to questionable late-game calls. Baldwin stopped short of direct accusations, instead saying, “Draw your own conclusions… look at the reactions of coaches on the sidelines.”
In her second post, Ponting offered a more personal look into the toll officiating takes on those behind the whistle.
“I’ve poured my heart into being an officiating official. I’ve trained hard, studied every rule, and pushed myself to be better with every game I officiate. It’s not an easy job – it takes discipline, focus, and a love for the sport that goes beyond what most people ever see. I’ve missed family moments, worked through exhaustion, and faced criticism with grace, all because I believe in fairness and integrity on the field.”
She also described the emotional impact of being demeaned during games, referencing one experience that left a lasting impression.
“But then there was that one game – a game where I gave everything I had, where I stood by every call with confidence and care – and still, we were called idiots. Just one word, shouted in anger, cut deeper than anyone could imagine. It’s easy to forget that behind the whistle is a person – someone who trains, sacrifices, and simply wants to do the right thing.”
This season has seen an uptick in officiating complaints, fueled in part by close scores, last-minute calls, and the high stakes of the league’s playoff race. Questions about referee pay disparities, consistency, and UAAP’s internal accountability mechanisms have also surfaced. Some football referees were recently placed on a “cooling-off” period following match controversies, showing how officials across sports are increasingly in the spotlight.
Ponting ended her posts with a call for empathy, resilience, and mutual respect.
“So when things don’t go a team’s way, please remember – we feel the pressure too. We’re human. We make mistakes, but we always give our best. What we don’t deserve is being insulted, disrespected, or called ‘idiots.’ Respect the officials. Respect the game. Because without us, the game doesn’t go on – and all we ask for in return is the same respect we give to every player and coach on that field.”
“Yet even through the hurt, I remind myself why I do this. Because I love the game. Because every tough moment builds strength. Because respect isn’t always given – sometimes, it’s earned quietly through consistency and courage. So I’ll keep showing up, keep working hard, and keep doing my best, no matter what names they call me.”
As the season continues, Ponting’s words offer a rare look into the human side of officiating — a side often overlooked when the focus is on wins, losses, and heated emotions.
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