Metro Supervisor’s Report – Fall 2007 AGM

The spring/summer season has been a busy one as usual for MABO with the usual assortment of spring/summer leagues to officiate plus the playing of the Bluenose Classic.  Fortunately, I am happy to report there were no discipline issues that I had to deal with over this time frame.  That is not say that there was not plenty to do as this year, officials from across the province were encouraged to apply to the respective area supervisor’s where pre-national tournaments were being held, in order to work in these tournaments.  Arrangements were then made to have those seeking advancement appropriately evaluated.  Many thanks to John Fanning for taking on this task with respect to the Bluenose Classic.  This process was seen as a way of providing significant development opportunities at a more elite level of play

to officials not only from metro but for some from across this province.  Arrangements were also made to have some games worked using the 3-person system to aid those going to the national tournament a short time later.  This took much coordination between the area supervisor and the assignor as well as with other members of the executive/area supervisors in selecting who would work the tournament.  Many thanks to the people who made and followed through with this commitment.  Also many thanks to the dependable others who stepped up to the plate to officiate when some others were not available to work for a variety of reasons.

As of Sept 1, 2007, Mr. Ken Fells has assumed the role of Metro Area Supervisor.  I encourage you all to give him your greatest support as he takes on the task of managing an area with not only the largest number of officials in the province but by far the most amount of basketball played.  Mr. Fells, together with you the members, will need to decide how you wish to pursue the various recruitment and official’s development programs within MABO.  I truly feel that the programs that have been established over the last few years have improved our officiating as well as shown all involved that we are committed to continued growth as the sport continues to grow.  It is only through an approach of ongoing learning that we can maintain and improve our skills, at what-ever level we wish to officiate, so as to offer the best possible product on the floor.

I would like to thank the members of the Long Term Planning Committee for their commitment and support, their ideas and their readiness to volunteer for a variety of tasks.  I know the hours you put into it and you deserve a big pat on the back.

Finally, I thank the rank and file members of our area.  The people who get up at 7AM in often the cold and freezing rain to go and to referee three junior mini or other games and work just as hard there as they would if it were an AUS game.  Why do they do it?  They do it because we truly love the game and I thank you for your support and for the support I know you will continue to give to your new MABO Supervisor as we continue to put in place the processes required to make the game better for all.

Respectfully submitted,

Greg Parsons