The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) will be revamping the current structure and training of basketball officials with the implementation of the Guyana Basketball Officials Council (GBOC).
This was revealed at a media briefing held yesterday at the Malteenoes Sports Club, Thomas Lands, by GABF president David Patterson.
Patterson along with GABF Vice President, Floyd Levi, Head of the Berbice Amateur Basketball Association, Kirk Fraser, who is also a member of the Federation and FIBA accredited international referee, Cycil Chin briefed media personnel on upcoming events the GABF has on the cards for this year and elaborated extensively on the sanctioning and approval of GBOC by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
Shedding some light on the GBOC, which is now in the process of being officially formed, Levi stated that the formation of the council was a part of GABF’s plans to bring the structure of officiating in Guyana in line with that of FIBA.
“What we have recognized early is that for the proper running of basketball we needed an independent body of officials to regulate and control the game,” said Levi.
Levi stated that the initiative for GBOC’s implementation was undertaken “a while back” but it has now been officially recognized under the GABF’s constitution and approved by FIBA.
Further, Levi revealed that GBOC will be comprised of referees, who are FIBA certified, along with table officials. These members will be trained and certified under FIBA, prior to being registered with GBOC, a task which falls in the hands of Chin.
Chin, who is a FIBA certified referee, with a number of years of international officiating under his belt, has been identified as the Interim Coordinator for GBOC, until the council has held elections to set up an organizational structure.
“There was never a system properly in place to answer and address the referee/player situations [grievances]. Now through the GABF, GBOC will entertain [handle] that,” Chin explained.
FIBA non-certified officials will be trained prior to being registered with GBOC. Chin disclosed that the newly formed officials’ council will also recommend these officials for further training.
As part of the registration process all prospective members of GBOC will undergo training with FIBA trainer/instructor from the United States, Terry Moore, who will be in Guyana to conduct a training seminar from the April 14-17.
Some of the roles that will fall under the mandate of GBOC will be the revision of disciplinary issues pertaining to players, referees and table officials and the resolution of the issues that may arise.
Listing some other upcoming events, Patterson revealed that there will be a FIBA level one coaching clinic tentatively set for April 21-24.
Patterson explained that the level one clinic is for all coaches that have not had the opportunity to be FIBA certified.
“As it is right now we currently have three FIBA level one certified coaches… At this clinic we are looking to have at least 50 minimum participants and from this you [participants] will now become certified basketball coaches,” Patterson declared.
Patterson observed that all head coaches of all registered clubs in Guyana who have not been certified are expected to be in attendance. The clinic is also open to school coaches and all uncertified basketball coaches throughout Guyana.
“It’s a golden opportunity for everybody,” said Patterson, adding that the clinic has already been approved by FIBA and the Guyana Olympic Association, Olympic Solidarity programme.
Registration for the level one coaching clinic closes on April 2 and Patterson is urging all coaches interested in participating to contact the GABF via email at gybasketballfed@gmail.com.
