NSBO President’s Report

2003 Fall GM

October 19, 2003

            Welcome to the 2003 Fall General Meeting of NSBO. The season seems to “spool up” earlier and earlier every year … or is summer shrinking?

1.      Congratulations:

            Congratulations to all NSBO Award winners that will be announced by Awards Committee chair Sam McNeish at this meeting.

            Additionally, congratulations to the NSBO Selection Committee (Reg Caulfield, Al King, Reg Jewkes). During the 2002/2003 season NSBO selected 17 different officials for 17 National assignments at the CIS Men’s/Women’s, CCAA Women’s, and Canada Basketball U15/U17 events. This demonstrates the tremendous depth and quality of NSBO officiating and something that all of us should be proud of!

2.      Rules:

            The Rules Committee struck at the Spring GM (Roger Caulfield, Nick Morash and myself) had several discussions over the summer. We all agree strongly that FIBA no longer is the most appropriate rule set for basketball within NS. BNS agrees and has endorsed NCAA Men’s Rules (with CIS adaptations) as the rule set for NS, starting with the 2004/2005 season. It is anticipated that the NSSAF will follow the example of the Sport Governing Body. This would leave only the CIS Women using FIBA rules next season.

            In order to facilitate the transition for next season, and at the request of both BNS and NSSAF, this season will include an adaptation to the FIBA substitution rule. (As Ed McHugh likes to say “I’m tired of making up reasons to stop the game so kids can get a chance to play!). Expect more on this in the Interpreter’s report.

            I would like to thank both NSSAF Executive Director Ron O’Flaherty and BNS President Ed McHugh for their proactive approach to this sometimes-thorny issue.

3.      AUS Selection Process:

Thanks to the AUS Selection Committee (Reg Caulfield, Roger Caulfield, Reg Jewkes, Garry Balcom, and Ted Wallace) for their diligence in the AUS Selection Process. With over 35 applicants this was, undoubtedly, a difficult task. While ability is (and must remain) the over-riding #1 criteria, other factors must be considered. I would like to congratulate those NSBO members working at this, our highest level, while thanking those members who were unsuccessful in the application process.

4.      Rebirth of the Whistle Blower:

You know what happens if you graciously and repeatedly offer to do more for a volunteer association? Eventually, someone will take you up on it!  Sam McNeish has agreed to become the new editor for the NSBO newsletter, The Whistle Blower. Many thanks to Sam for taking this on and NSBO members should forward any possible articles to Sam for possible inclusion.

5.      Executive Changes:

Andrew Wallis has resigned as Cumberland Area Supervisor and Sam McNeish has filled the position on an interim basis!

6.      NSBO Recruitment Brochure

Paul Hanson has an up-to-date version of the brochure that we will be distributing within the BNS and NSSAF communities. Any Area Supervisors wishing to obtain copies should contact Paul.

            Have a great season!

Jonathan Hunt

NSBO President