Provincial Supervisor’s Report

NSBO’s Fall Meeting

October 4, 2008 – Halifax, Nova Scotia

Outlined below are some of the key issues addressed by CABO during this year’s AGM. 

-          National Officials Certification Program – The National Officials Certification Program is a cooperative effort between Canada Basketball and CABO.  In 2007 a steering committee was organized to put together the framework and curriculum for this program.  The purpose to assist in the education and development of officials.  The program consists of 5 levels, 3 of which are administered by the provincial association, one by CABO and one by FIBA.  Certification is not a requirement to officiate.  However, CABO and Canada Basketball strongly encourage all officials to become certified.  Presently, levels 1 and 2 have been completed and are ready for implementation.  Level 3 will deal mostly with 3-person officiating.  The plans are to grandfather officials to the appropriate level.  In addition, the recertification process is currently under review.  The Executive of NSBO will need to review the program and establish timeframes for implementation. 

-          Canada Basketball – The Executive Director of Canada Basketball, Wayne Parrish, provided the group with a presentation on Canada Basketball’s mission, objectives/goals and present status.  Everyone was impressed with Mr. Parrish’s commitment to what is obviously a very difficult and challenging position.  CABO made it clear to Mr. Parrish that we will continue to be an integral part in the development of the basketball community.  CABO President, Don Cline, will be working closely with Canada Basketball in addressing issues.   

-          FIBA Review - A review was conducted by FIBA office in Zurich, Switzerland.  Initially, it was believed that CABO was a redundant organization that should not be in place.  After a comprehensive review, the FIBA office concluded that Canada has an ideal situation and saw no need to make any significant changes.

-          BeOne Program – This program no longer exists however Canada Basketball is looking for players/coaches/officials to pay an annual membership.   The cost for officials will be $5.00 therefore increasing the CABO membership fee to $30.00. 

-          CABO Membership – there is presently 3,726 CAB0 members – represents a total increase of 58.   Nova Scotia membership showed a decline of 13 members (from 190 to 177). 

-          AGM – Last year, CABO formulated a committee to review the efficiency and effectiveness of the current structure of the AGM.   The final report/findings were presented at this year’s AGM and accepted. 

-          CCAA Agreement - This new agreement has undergone some allocation changes.  The CCAA insisted that the provinces with the largest membership of CCAA school (BC, AB, ON and QC) be guaranteed representation at all tournaments.  In addition, a new definition of “neighboring province” was established (see agreement for additional information). 

-          Post Play – Three editions of Post Play were produced – January, May and September.  The last edition will be released shortly.

-          Recruitment - One of the major national problems we are all facing is the increased need for the recruitment and retention of officials, especially in our rural and remote areas.  CABO has allocated money in this year’s budget to assist with grass root development; however, it will only be allocated to NSBO once we have submitted a plan of action that meets with CABO’s approval.   The plan must clearly demonstrate how we will deliver the desired results (i.e. plan, financial commitment, desired results, etc.). 

-          National AE’s – It appears that the National Education Offficer, Jim Cervo has received some concerns and complaints this past year.  He has since developed a protocol to address these very concerns.  The protocol document will be sent to the National Evaluation team.   Mr. Cervo will also be working with National Evaluators to put together a “What to do and what not to do” document.  CABO will attempt to assign each National Evaluator to a minimum of 2 tournaments every 3 years. 

-          Canada Games – Next year’s Canada Games will be hosted by Prince Edward Island (please note - no game fees will be paid).

-          CIS Women’s – As of next year, a new format for the women’s championships will be implemented.  The changes will involve 4 regional play-offs across the country and then a final 4 tournament. 

-          FIBA Officials Recertification Clinic -  Dave McGratton and Brent Stocker have been accepted to attend the FIBA license certification clinic in Montreal this coming October.  

-          Awards – Unfortunately, none of our submissions were selected as recipients of the Ritchie/Nicurity Scholarships this year.  The Ted Earley Award recipient is Sandra Bibeau of Ontario.

-          Just Play Program – This program was utilized at the Under 15 and Under 17 tournaments this past summer and appeared to be successful.  CABO recognizes the benefits of this program for our officials and noted that the success of this program can only be achieved through the support of provincial organizations.   

-          CABO Rates – The new mileage rate is $0.40/km and the per diem is $45/day.

-          Uniform – The shirt to be utilized for all national competition is the grey shirt from MFE which is the Quebec based supplier.  In addition, NSBO has approved this new grey FIBA shirt as part of the officials’ uniform this season (all levels, all officials).   Secretary Treasurer, Paul Hanson is coordinating this initiative.

-          Calling the Game – CABO President, Don Cline, was somewhat concerned with the inconsistency across the country with officials utilizing a “patient whistle”.  The long delay is not acceptable as we need to call the game based on advantage and disadvantage as it happens.  This issue will be addressed nationally.

-          Olympics - CABO acknowledged the work of Fred Horgan who was assigned to work at the Olympics as a technical commissioner.  Congratulations Fred on a job well done.

CONTRACTS:

All contracts are in place for this coming season.  After much deliberation, an AUS play-off agreement has finally been negotiated and signed-off by all parties.   I have been selected to chair the committee that will be negotiating our next contract with the AUS.   We will be facing a challenging negotiation with the AUS this year as they are currently proposing that we return to a 2-person crew.  The AUS has stated that this initiative is being driven by financial restraints.  

The Atlantic conference officials have been invited to attend AUS’ AGM meeting on October 1^st.  We will be represented by PEI Provincial Supervisor, Rob Anderson and NB Provincial Supervisor, Dave McManus.   We have already written a position paper on the advantages of 3-person officiating versus 2-person officiating.  The issue of 3-person officiating was discussed in length at the CABO meeting and it was unanimous that we are to support 3-person officiating across the country. 

The ACAA Commissioner, Keith Finck, and I met with Judy Smith and Neil Hooper last Friday to discuss the upcoming season, officials, job description and travel.  As a result of the increase in travel cost, NSBO will be formulating a new submission for ACAA’s consideration. 

GRASS ROOT DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES:

Provincial Interpreter, Roger Caulfield conducted another “Camp of Excellence” for young officials who were seeking to enhance their officiating skills with the aspiration of officiating at a higher level.   Special thanks to Rob Anderson for his assistance and support on this objective.   CABO awarded “Camp Scholarships” to participants in support of grass root development. 

NATIONAL APPOINTMENTS:

Nova Scotia received 11 appointments out of 84 possible assignments.

GAME FEES (2008/09):

(refer to NSBO’s rate sheet)

AUS – Exhibition                     - $ 87.00

AUS – regular season             - $ 92.00

AUS – playoffs                        - $120.00 (as per new CIS agreement)

ACAA – regular season          - $ 60.00

ACAA – playoffs                      - $ 60.00

NSSAF                                    - $ 39.00

CONCLUSION:

I would like to take this opportunity to praise the commitment of all Executive members and ask that each one of us continue to do all we can for the advancement of basketball in our province. 

Reg Caulfield

Provincial Supervisor

Nova Scotia