Message from the President- Fall 2009

I want to take this opportunity to update all of our members on the most significant issues NSBO will be dealing with this coming season.

NSBO Update:

· A conference call was held with CABO President, Don Cline and representatives from all four Atlantic Provinces to discuss the fact that NSBO does not have a contract in place for the 2009/2010 season. The major issues which needed to be discussed were 3-person officiating, financial accountability and cost certainty. CABO requested Roger Caulfield and I present a proposal to Phil Currie. The outcome has been shared with all ACAA/AUS panel members. The highlights included a reduction in game fees but an increase in travel allowance. This may not be the best situation possible in some of our members’ minds, but probably the best that can be had under the circumstances presented at this time. We will work hard to advance our position with the AUS once our new contract is negotiated for 2010/2011. The next negotiations will involve all four provinces and it is expected that we will all be operating within the same contract.

· NSBO’s officiates selected to work the 2009 Canada Games performed extremely well and advanced to the medal rounds: Brian States – Men’s Gold, Neil Deveau – Women’s Gold, Mary Alice-Butts – Women’s Bronze, and Ryan Lutes – Men’s Bronze. It is obvious that all four officials prepared themselves for the tournament and represented our organization with the utmost professionalism; well done!

· Our AUS/ACAA panels have been selected for the 2009/10 season. I encourage all members to continue to strive to be the best officials they can possibly be and maintain a high level of fitness. The panel members are the ones that are constantly “under the microscope” and must continue to be leaders and mentors for our younger members throughout the province.

· The new Executive Director of Basketball Nova Scotia is Liam Blanchard. I am pleased to inform you that my preliminary discussions with Mr. Blanchard clearly indicate a shared philosophy of how our organizations should work together in partnership. A fine example of how both NSBO and BNS worked together this season is the Caulfield Camp of Excellence hosted this summer at Horton High. Both organizations understand the importance of grass root development and have clearly demonstrated their commitment to working together on this objective. As an organization, we need to continue to focus on the recruitment and retention of officials as this is an ongoing problem not only in Nova Scotia but throughout Canada.

· Congratulations to Brent Stocker on his FIBA performance at the World Student Games in Serbia. He is currently one of 16 carded officials in Canada. This is a fine example of how hard work and dedication pays off.

· Recent contract negotiations between Reg Caulfield and Tom Fahie went well. Rates have been agreed upon through 2011 with an increase of $1 a game. An updated rates chart will be shared with Area Supervisors in the near future. In addition, the Division 1 Boys and Girls Provincial Championships will be officiated with 3-person crews.

· Contract with the ACAA has been tentatively negotiated. We are currently awaiting final approval.

· Something of interest for all officials – website: http://www.ref60.com/index.php/basketball-officiating . You will find lots of interesting articles on the game of basketball as well as stories that pertain specifically to basketball officials.

CABO AGM Update:

Roger and Reginald Caulfield both attended the CABO Annual General Meeting in Newfoundland, this past weekend. The following is a brief update:

Jim Walsh, Newfoundland, has been elected as the new CABO President.
Relationship with Canada Basketball continues to be on a positive footing; nonetheless, there continues to be some issues to be addressed.
Format for CIS national championships will remain the same. No pre-assigned crew chiefs will be designated at national championships. There was a lot of discussion in the previous year regarding the women’s format structure moving towards regional play-offs. However, that has not materialized. The Men’s National Championships returns to Halifax next year (2010/2011). There are no national championships, at any level, slated to be played in the Atlantic region this season.
Canada Games – It is CABO’s intention to address some of the problem areas in the new contract (i.e. payment of officials).
Both the Webmaster and Post-play are presently being rejuvenated and hopefully will meet the expectations of the CABO members.
FIBA grey shirts have been approved for national championships and are presently being reviewed for possible improvement. It must be noted that all provinces still continue to wear different shirts (no uniformity).
Certification – The 5-level program is now complete. The first 3 levels will be administered by the province. Level 4 will be coordinated by CABO and level 5 will be managed by FIBA. Nova Scotia will continue with the implementation of this program and will grand-father officials to the appropriate level. Our plan is to have a major clinic on the Certification Program offered through a CABO instructor in the fall of next year. The recertification process is currently under review.
CABO Camp – the camp will be reinstated and offered every second year. The site will be Montreal and the estimated cost will be $275.00 per participant.

Please note that NSBO will be offering a clinic on October 3^rd, 2009 at Graham Creighton Junior High School in Dartmouth. The cost to participate in the clinic will be $20.00. It is important that all Area Supervisors or delegate attend the meeting as we will be covering important issues that would normally be covered at the fall general meeting.

The upcoming season will bring many obstacles as well as rewards. I ask you to maintain your professionalism and continue to represent NSBO in a very positive and appropriate manner. If you have a concern you wish to have addressed, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Chris Ross

NSBO President