NSBO PRESIDENT/VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Fall, 2002

It is with great pleasure that I present this report to NSBO members at the Fall 2002 General Meeting of the Nova Scotia Basketball Officials. I am really excited about the challenges that my new position present. I’m sure it will be … “the best of times” and, occasionally, … “the worst of times” but I am anxious to tackle all of those instances, and more.

This association has a rich legacy. Nova Scotia basketball officials have participated in every major National and International competition for many years. It is this history that we need to draw on, and learn from, as we prepare for the challenges of the next generation.

As the basketball season continues to lengthen it seems the work of the Executive starts earlier and earlier every year. We have been extremely busy for the past two months. We are excited about the upcoming season. I have tried to keep the membership informed as to our activities with newsletters distributed via email. Hopefully, this medium has proved successful in communicating Executive activities to the members.

Executive Changes:

            As most of you are aware there have been two changes in the Executive since our Spring GM. I have assumed the President’s chair (as per Robert’s Rules of Order) following the resignation of Bruce Duffy. I would like to thank Bruce for his efforts on behalf of all NSBO members for his service to our organization. Sam McNeish has been selected to the Vice President’s chair to finish the term vacated when I assumed the Presidency. Both of these positions are up for re-election in the Spring, 2003.

Level II Clinic:

            Our annual Level II clinic was held in Moncton, NB this past September, presented by the CABO Education Committee and the NB Basketball Officials. Turnout from NS was fantastic with approximately 48 of our members in attendance, including all of our Executive members. Bill Crowley (President, CABO and Canada West Supervisor) and Don Cline (VP CABO) presented the daylong session.

AUS Selection Process:

            Former President Pat Nearing graciously agreed to chair the AUS selection Process on my behalf. He meticulously gathered all of the data to rank all of last year’s candidates. Once this data was assembled the Selection Committee met via conference call to review the new applicants against the existing panel members. As a result of this process the following changes were made to the AUS panel:

1.      Brad Poirier and Lindsay Steele were re-instated to the panel.

2.      Brian States and Sam McNeish were new additions to the panel.

3.      John Fanning and Sandra Wood were granted leaves-of-absence from the panel.

I would also like to thank Wayne Talbot, Bruce Spicer and James Langley for their contributions to this panel over the past number of years.

Long-Term Planning

            Reg Caulfield, Provincial Supervisor, has identified the need for key Executive members to meet this fall to discuss the long-term needs and goals of NSBO, some of which are documented in the Provincial Supervisor’s report.

Items requiring discussion include upcoming negotiations (ACAA, NSSAF, BNS), professional development, financial outlook, NSSAF tournament selection process, and other items.

I would like to set up a meeting with the VP, Interpreter, Supervisor, and Assessor before we leave today.

Additionally, recruitment and retention of new officials is a priority for NSBO. I have asked all Area Supervisors (via email) to consider the needs of their area over the next few years. Unfortunately, the average age of NSBO members, Level 1 and above, continues to grow. In order to properly service games at all levels we need to continue to attract new officials. Ideally, we should focus on former players/coaches as past experience has shown that the best officials come from this group. Hopefully, today we can put a plan in place to produce a recruitment brochure to aid in this initiative.

Female High Performance Development Weekend

            Reg Jewkes, Provincial Assessor, has agreed to coordinate this Professional Development initiative. Area Supervisors should identify prospective candidates to Reg ASAP. Please remember that the candidates must have a proven ability at the Div I or Div II level to be eligible. Reg is planning on having this event in conjunction with a Div I girls’ tournament at CEC in late November.

NSBO Discipline Committee

            The work of the Discipline Committee now falls under the ever-capable auspices of Sam McNeish as VP. There are two ongoing situations involving former Metro and Valley West members.

It is critical to our long-term success as a professional organization that we continue to ensure appropriate conduct by our members at all times. Area Supervisors must ensure that members in their respective areas are aware of these expectations.

NSBO Website

            Paul Hanson has done a great job of maintaining the NSBO website. Unfortunately, Paul has changed Internet Service Providers and we have had to move our site to its own address (www.nsbo.net). This will result in a small expense to our members but having our own identity makes us more visible within the electronic world. More on that later.

Registration

            One of the most important steps this Association has taken during the time I have been a member (11 years) has been the creation of a Provincial Registrar position. The selection of Angela Weld to this portfolio has improved our day-to-day business in countless ways (i.e. Awards Committee selections, email distribution, collection of fees…). Angela’s dedication to this, sometimes, thankless job has made all of the Executive’s life easier and has contributed immeasurably to the stable financial position in which NSBO finds itself. Thank you Angela!

            Please ensure that Angela has your correct information and fees are paid in full prior to the FIBA exam night in early December. NSBO fees will remain the same this season, as last.

            I would like to thank all of the Executive members for their dedication to this association and its members. Our strength lies in that dedication and basketball officiating in this province is better off because of it. I want to assure all of the members that we, the executive, have put any residual differences behind us from last spring and remain focused on the continued best interests of NSBO.

In closing, have a great season. If you have any questions or concerns please approach your Area Supervisor, if possible. Failing that the Executive is always available to try to alleviate your concerns.

In Basketball,

Jonathan Hunt

NSBO President

October 20, 2002