UPDATE

2003 CABO Annual General Meeting

Montreal, Québec

September 19-21, 2003

Ø      CABO Website:

On behalf of CABO, Scott Holbech has made many improvements to the CABO website.  The website now contains an updated Facts Book, Tournament Evaluation Forms, a wider variety of information, etc.  We've been asked to provide current information that could be included in the website in support of this national communication initiative. 

Ø      CABO Elections:

Elections were held for the respective CABO executive positions.  The CABO Executive remains status quo.

Ø      CABO Camp:

Once again, the CABO camp was held in Montreal in coordination with Basketball Québec.  A new initiative this year had Bill Carr conducting a National Evaluators' Clinic that ran in conjunction with the camp. Our Provincial Evaluator, Reg Jewkes attended the event and described it as a most rewarding experience.

Participation in the camp was lower than in former years and resulted in budget implications.  However, the long-term viability of the continued location of this camp was discussed and it was agreed that Montreal was the most suitable location.  Nova Scotia officials interested in advancing their officiating career are strongly encouraged to participate in officiating camps as other officials from across Canada are making this a priority.

Ø      Post Play:

A decision has been made to have the publication of Post Play available electronically (on the website).  However, those preferring to receive a hard copy of the publication will be able to do so.  This will be advertised in the upcoming publication of Post Play and will provide details on how to obtain copies.

Ø      Zero Tolerance - Abuse of Officials:

All provinces have identified abuse of officials as a topic of concern.  We all agree that we need to ensure officials are provided with guidance and information on how to deal with such situations.  It was decided that the clinics should include information/discussion sessions on the issue of abuse and zero tolerance.

Another suggestion made during the meeting was for provinces to share any best practices on how to deal with abuse of officials for inclusion in the CABO website. 

Ø      Mechanics:

A decision has been made to adopt the two-person federation mechanics for all national tournaments (two-person officiating) commencing in the 2004/2005 season.  This initiative will require leadership from our executive.

Ø      National Evaluators:

Four assignor/evaluators were advised in writing that their services would be no longer required.  Two additional evaluators were selected from Ontario and it has been agreed upon to add one more from the Atlantic Provinces.  Due to the success of this year's National Evaluators' Clinic, another clinic is in the planning stages.   Great strides were made towards the standardization of interpretations, mechanics and consistency among evaluators. 

Ø      Summary of National Assignments:

Nova Scotia received the highest number of national assignments (16 out of 84) during the 2002/2003 season.  At this point, Don Cline has not finalized this year's provincial allotments.  However, we do know that the CIS Men's National Tournament will become a 10-team event.

Ø      Contracts:

Vice-President, Don Cline, as part of his portfolio, will be finalizing contracts with the CCAA and CIS.  Due to the difficulties that were experienced with Canada Basketball this past summer with the midget and juvenile tournaments, a number of concerns have been brought forward to them (i.e. game fees) for discussion and resolution.  These matters, as well as others, have been brought up to the Steering Committee that is attempting to formulate a strategic plan for Canada Basketball.  Bill Crowley is our representative on the committee and they have embarked on a challenge of defining ways to bring the Canadian basketball community together.

Ø      CABO Membership:

The total CABO membership has decreased by 30 members.  There are presently 3,436 members and Nova Scotia is being identified as one of the provinces with a declining membership. 

Ø      Awards:

The Wink Willox Award was awarded to Doug Wortman of Oxford, Nova Scotia.

CABO awarded this year's Nicurity/Ritchie Scholarship to David Chiu of Halifax (out of 12 submissions).  David is a second year student at the Dalhousie University and he began his officiating career in October of 1999.  Congratulations David!

Ø      Conclusion:

When considering the many tasks to be accomplished in the upcoming season, it is evident that we not only require the full commitment and support of our executive but that of our membership as well.

Reg Caulfield

Provincial Supervisor

September 2003