Local Referees Get Refresher on FIBA Rules
The President of the Jamaica Basketball Association, Paulton Gordon, explained that the recently concluded referees coaching clinic at the National Stadium aimed to bring local referees up to speed with changes at the FIBA level.
“We wanted to use it as an opportunity to engage our referees who are participating in our domestic competitions like the National Basketball League. It was a refresher so that they are aware of any changes in the rules,” he stated.
Gordon added that one of the primary goals of the organization is to expand the pool of referees eligible to officiate at various levels of basketball in Jamaica.
“We can utilize them in development competitions such as the ISSA competitions and local youth-level events. Therefore, part of the plan is to broaden the pool of referees in basketball,” Gordon explained.
Nicholas Hayles, a FIBA referee who participated in the coaching clinic, mentioned that the sessions were “well received.” The 18 participants, comprising both experienced and novice referees, indicated a positive outlook for basketball officiating in the country.
“I think it was well received; the referees participated fully in all the information that was shared, and that tells me there’s interest. Both senior and new referees attended, which was great for basketball,” he stated.
Although the practical component of the clinic was rained out, Hayles noted that referees demonstrated their skills during the theory exam, all excelling.
“My task was to inform them of the new rules and methods of officiating as it relates to FIBA. We should have had a practical session, but we couldn’t due to the rain, as it needed to be done on the court. Nevertheless, a theory exam was conducted, and all the referees performed well,” he added.
