KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Sepaktakraw Association (PSM) agrees with the decision of the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) to adopt a 15-point scoring system and limit each team to only one service (per winning rally), as opposed to the current three, for all domestic and international competitions starting from Feb 1 next year.
However, PSM president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan said that they will still engage in discussions with ISTAF to maintain the 21-point scoring system if there is an opportunity to do so in future meetings with the international body.
He explained that the new scoring system is deemed unsuitable, as it may not provide satisfaction to players and spectators as the duration of the matches will be shortened.
“We have proposed (to keep the 21-point system with a single service), but the decision has already been made, so we have to abide by it. This means we accept the decision of ISTAF to introduce the 15-point scoring system, but in the future, if there is room for discussion (with ISTAF), I will voice it again (to retain the 21-point scoring system).
“We conducted a thorough demonstration of the 15-point scoring system without the inclusion of three services. The comprehensive review revealed that the system’s appropriateness is questionable due to its excessively brief duration. This raises concerns that the distinctive and artistic elements of sepaktakraw may be somewhat compromised,” he said to reporters here last night.
Sumali said that the Asian Championship in South Korea in April next year is likely to be the first event to adopt the new scoring system, followed by the World Cup in Kuala Lumpur in May.
Asked whether Malaysia would have an advantage or otherwise with the new system introduced by ISTAF, he said that they have yet to find out the advantages of the system.
“The advantages? No one, not even Thailand, Indonesia, or any other country, can ascertain them at this point of time. The primary concern is the insufficient time available to adapt to the new system, which is causing apprehension among us.
“Only after the meeting of the Sports Executive Committee with the National Sports Council today (Dec 12), we will decide when to start training with the coaching staff and players using the new system,” he said.
ISTAF secretary-general Abdul Halim Kader announced yesterday through the ISTAF Executive Committee Meeting on Dec 8 that they will implement a 15-point scoring system and limit each team to one service instead of the current three for all domestic and international competitions starting from Feb 1 next year.
He stated that with the 15-point scoring system, if the teams are tied at 14-14, then the first team to score the 17th point will be the winner. – BERNAMA
