Hoops

Can Basketball SA make any more changes?

Dear Mr Gibson

I have absolutly no idea who you are or what your qualifications are to be given the presumably paid position of a referee development officer ( or even if that is what position you hold) but to post on a public forum --

"I have a fare idea who this negative person is and I will further investigate their lack of team spirit."

Is just so gob-smackingly naive, that it suggests to me that, irrespective of your probable good intentions or previous outstanding service to the sport, your posting has not done yourself much of a favour, nor one to the sport here in SA- just what were you thinking ???

Particularly if it is read by anyone who may have been thinking about themselves or their family members officiating basketball in this state.

I wonder how many existing referees are on your list of "questionable citizens " and who you may approach in this manner in order to weed out this offender .

Exactly how do you USUALLY go about investigating a lack of team spirit within the officiating fraternity in SA ??/ - call a "code Red" !!! - (apologies to Jack Nicholson)

Improvement is a slow and often pain staking process and a numbers game.

Maybe the knockers will apply for court supervisor role and we will see you at our education session on Sunday 3rd April 9am. The first in planned on going development for those with a wish to help and improve referees. Like referees - differing levels of skill and experience. Similar to referee development oportunities being offered.

Try joining most organisations as a member, player, referee etc and the majority have a fee that is pooled and put towards insurance cover, improving services, education, awards etc etc etc.

Try not performing at work - you maybe offered development and education at the expense of the boss but if you fail then your out the door. If you would like us to consider this as a job with all the benefits you may or maynot receive then complete a tax office form and we will begin to take out tax. $15 or $25 membership would be a cheaper option.

Try helping rather than knocking - its a better and happier learning curve.

It is a shame when some people find it easier to be negative rather than constructive and positive. Obviously we have comments from a disgruntled referee who may believe he/she has not been given the opportunity they deserve. So rather than discuss the issue like an adult they hide behind rash and ranting comments without really checking the details. Or could it be that they are just not at the level of experience or skill that they think they are. I have a fare idea who this negative person is and I will further investigate their lack of team spirit.

There is no perfect solution. Players pay a fee in the hundreds of dollars every season to play for their club. They then pay again to play on the night. If any referee believes paying $15 per year towards insurance cover and education to improve not only themself but others is a drama then maybe they should consider another activity. We have a team (club, organisation, group, body) of very dedicated referees but as with any organisation we also have a few who find it easier to hide behind "Anonymous" comments in social media rather than discuss constructive outcomes.

I am willing to sit down and discuss any idea (with any person) no matter how silly it may sound that will improve, educate and increase the skill level of any referee. The main aim of this new initiative is the offer another avenue for education and development to all referees that has not been available in the past. The previous BASA spent time and effort on education for the more senior referees. Its success can be seen in current NBL/WNBL and FIBA referee Phill Haines. Basketball SA has taken the approach to offer opportunity to all referees at all levels of development. If a referee chooses not to take up this offer then that is their choice. However the referee who chooses not to use these development opportunities will not receive the rewards they offer.

If a referee considers 5 theory seasons for year (of about 2 hours each) + a small exam + putting their education to the test for about 3 nights per fortnight on-court and a small contribution towards accident insurance and development is too difficult - then your reward may be achieved in another sport. If you play the sport then I feel sorry for your team mates as this kind of attitude reeks of self importance and displays a lack of understanding and support for anyone but yourself.

In future years (developing a referee takes years not months) and numbers improve (as they will but it takes time) any “Big Heads” will gradually be overstepped by the positive and constructive referee.