NOVA SCOTIA SUPERVISOR'S REPORT

SPRING MEETING

New Minas, Nova Scotia

April 25, 2004

OPENING REMARKS

I must say that one of NSBO's greatest achievements this year has been the sharing of information with all officials on the many facets of our organization.  We have taken the opportunity to define our approach both to the management of the organization and to the management of the members of NSBO.  We have described the goals towards which we are striving, the many processes within which we operate and provided the basis upon which we want to be held accountable as an organization and as individuals.   Our Executive's objective was to explain to our members what we are, what we do, and how we do it.   Our relationship with all officials is characterized by openness, integrity and cooperation. 

In my role as Provincial Supervisor, I have observed and received feedback from a number of people that the quality of our officiating at the grass root level has improved significantly. Again, I cannot stress enough the need for officials to take responsibility for their own development.  NSBO's Executive will provide direction, opportunities, encouragement and feedback to officials.  Nonetheless,  each official must put the required energy and effort into their learning to  continue to improve on their officiating abilities. The most useful learning tool occurs on the floor when working with your partner to make continuous improvements.

CONTRACTS:

The three contracts, ACAA, NSSAF and Basketball Nova Scotia received tentative approval at the beginning of the 2003/04 basketball season.  We operated with the fee structure that was in place for the first year of the agreement (last year's rates).  Of course, our clients were happy with the rates since they were not increased.  Nevertheless, each of these organizations will be faced with an increase in rates for the upcoming basketball season and they will need to finalize the contracts prior to the 2004/05 basketball season.   Obviously, any amendments to the tentative agreements will need to be ratified by NSBO.  Meetings with each of these clients are scheduled to take place in the near future in order to finalize the contracts.

AUAA PLAY-OFF AGREEMENT:

The Chairperson of this agreement is the Provincial Supervisor of Newfoundland, John Walsh who is presently negotiating with the AUS representative, Jack Drover (Athletic Director of Mount A).  On the positive side, it appears that major strides have been made on the issue of three-person crews for the AUS women's play-offs.  The most controversial issue is the allotment of officials from each province.  Our stance has been well documented and communicated with all involved parties.  At this point, the PEI Provincial Supervisor is supporting our position while New Brunswick and Nfld. continue to argue their viewpoint of having equal representation at these tournaments.  If unable to reach a compromise, we may need to hold a special executive meeting to determine our next course of action.

SUMMER TOURNAMENTS:

Canada Basketball and Basketball Nova Scotia will be hosting the Midget summer tournament at St. Mary's University the week of August 4 - 7, 2004. As per the Canada Basketball agreement, the host province will be given half the assignments for each tournament. Nova Scotia's allocation for the tournament will be 4 for boys and 4 for girls.  As always, our commitment is to provide the very highest quality of officials available to work these national championships.  Canada Basketball has committed to paying $30 per game.  A new agreement with Canada Basketball will be in place for this year.  The Assignors/Evaluators have not been selected as of yet. CABO expects that officials of both genders will be appointed.

CIS SELECTIONS:

The CABO Executive decided that Nova Scotia will receive one (1) nomination to the CIS Men's each year since we have five schools participating in the AUS and playing for the men's championships.  The other nominations are on a rotational basis.  Don Cline will be presenting the format utilized to determine allocations at the September AGM.  I understand that there is a move afoot to change the basis of the selection to the CIS Men's and Women's from a provincial base to a conference base.  A new agreement with the CCAA will be revealed at the September AGM as well.

ZERO TOLERANCE:

The subject of zero tolerance continues to be a national and provincial issue as we have seen the problem escalate during this basketball season.  We encountered numerous problems with parents, fans and players being very disrespectful thus bringing shame/embarrassment to the sport.  Overall, the problem was well handled by Area Supervisors and officials through the leadership of NSBO's Executive.  We must all ensure that we continue to take care of business during all games and that any inappropriate behavior is dealt with promptly and appropriately.

CABO OFFICIALS CAMP:

There will be two CABO Officials Camps offered this summer.  One will be held in Montreal the week of July 15^th and the other will be held in Edmondton.  All information on these camps can be found on CABO's website.  Once again, officials who have aspirations to move up the ranks within the organization are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to be seen by our elite officials and CABO executive and receive invaluable feedback from some of the top officials and clinicians in the country.

CERTIFICATION:

Congratulations to Sandy Kearney who has recently received his Level II certification.   Sandy has demonstrated professionalism and commitment throughout his officiating career and is encouraged to continue the excellent work.

ASSIGNMENTS:

Note:  The Selection Committee for national assignments consists of: Provincial Supervisor, Reg Caulfield, Provincial Assessor, Reg Jewkes, and Member at large, Alan King.  Alternate for CIS Men's is Garry Balcom. Thank you Alan King and Reg Jewkes for your invaluable contribution.

Congratulations to the following officials on their success at their respective provincial and national tournament:

CONCLUSION:

Thanks to the members of the Executive for their time, energy and valuable contribution.  I would personally like to thank Jon Hunt for his dedication and his strong leadership in advancing our organization. 

R. J. Caulfield

Provincial Supervisor

Province of Nova Scotia