THE recently concluded FIBA Americas regional Referee Training Camp is being hailed as a “success” by the participants, including aspiring FIBA referees from Guyana, Grenada, The Bahamas, Barbados and Suriname.

The training programme, which was held for a period of one week in Guyana, saw referees and table officials, from several regional countries in the Caribbean being guided by FIBA elite referee Roberto Vázquez (Olympic Games 2016 and World Cup 2014) and Frederick Brown, FIBA Americas National Instructor.

The programme was facilitated by the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) and was held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (Practical) and at Palm Court (Theory) Over 18 persons attended.

Participants were taught the FIBA Basketball Rules, more so elaborating on the Travel Violation, Unsportsmanlike Foul and Contact Criteria using the FIBA Basketball Rules Official Interpretations.

The FIBA Americas Regional Training Camp was designed to improve the Officiating Team in the FIBA National Federations, and identify possible potential prospects at National Level to be future FIBA Referees in order to support Licensing 2019 and facilitating 2-6 years planning to scout National talents in time.

“I thought it was really welcoming to see the participants all eager to learn, and the way everyone was ready to be engaging, tells me that the future of officiating in the Caribbean seems bright,” Brown told Chronicle Sport at the conclusion of the programme.

The well-respected Bahamian stated that currently, there are very few active regional officials on the FIBA Referees’ list, and as such, systems are being put in place by basketball’s world governing body, to ensure that the pool of officials is big enough to give the Caribbean an opportunity to expand the game.

Meanwhile, Vázquez, one of basketball’s top referees, also echoed those sentiments of the FIBA Instructor, adding, “I was impressed with the commitment of the participants, and it shows that they have always been eager to learn, but never had this kind of training. I know I will see them on the FIBA list and I hope they now go back to their countries and share the things they were taught.”

President of the GABF, Nigel Hands, said his Federation was happy to play a part in the programme and said the information handed to the Guyanese officials who participated, will certainly help lift the standard of basketball in Guyana.
Patrick Haynes – GABF General Secretary and CBC Vice President along with Michael Singh – GABF Vice President were also present on the programme’s final day and assisted with the presentation of certificates.