NOVA SCOTIA SUPERVISOR'S REPORT

SPRING MEETING

April 27, 2003



OPENING REMARKS

 

 

The 2002/03 basketball season was another busy but very successful season as we achieved many of our objectives.  Our President has done a commendable job in dividing up the various tasks and ensuring a measurable action plan was implemented and administered.  As Executive Members, we recognized for the most part that our duties and responsibilities are extended pretty much over the course of the entire year. 

 

The soaring recognition of the game throughout our province and the demands such popularity places on our association to provide a service at every level is still perhaps the greatest challenge our organization faces.  We need to continue to identify and recruit young officials who can be developed so we can provide well qualified and consistent officiating to support the numerous levels of basketball. 

 

I am extremely pleased with the manner in which our officials are maintaining their profile and improving the quality of their officiating.   Nonetheless, one must remember that you're only as good as your last time out.  Therefore, it is imperative that each official performs at his/her best in all situations.

 

THREE-PERSON OFFICIATING - AUS WOMEN - 2003/04:

 

My colleagues and I were very much involved in the proposal of the three-person system for the AUS women's competitions.   Much deliberation transpired prior to finalizing the proposal which was presented to Coaches and Athletic Directors by John Walsh, on behalf of the AUS Officials.  The proposal highlighted the advantages of the three-person system, improved coverage, cost, consistency from coast to coast, as well as officials' development. 

 

We strongly support the immediate implementation of crews of three and we would like to have this decision dealt with and finalized at the annual general meeting of the AUS, at the latest.  We would like to begin the new season without controversy and avoid the possible distractions which not having an agreement on this issue could possibly present in the fall.  We continue to await a final decision.

 

ACAA:

 

Our relationship with the ACAA continues to be positive as we maintained  ongoing dialogue regarding rules, championships, national tournaments and rates.  The ACAA was very supportive as we adopted the three-person system in their league.  In all likelihood, they will continue to utilize three-person officiating however have identified a number of changes they would like us to consider to improve the overall quality of officiating in this league.  This information will be shared with the Area Supervisors.

 

RATES:

 

Our Rates Committee is recommending that the rates for NSSAF remain status quo as last year's contract included significant increases.  The committee will be meeting with Ron O'Flaherty in the upcoming weeks to finalize a long-term agreement. 

 

We are in the process of negotiating a three-year contract with the ACAA which would see the rates for the first year of the contract (men's) remain status quo with an increase of $5.00 for year two and three (three-person crew).   We would agree to maintain the $50.00 rate for the women's games.

 

No further developments have emerged in regards to rates for Basketball Nova Scotia due to the recent conflict related to the payment of officials working the National Juvenile/Midget Tournaments.  The President, Ed McHugh has decided to put negotiations on hold until this more pressing issue is resolved.

 

CABO:

 

CABO's  five-year plan for allocating officials to national tournaments is being revised to reflect some of the decisions made during the last couple of seasons (i.e. crew chiefs).  The revised plan will be presented at the September CABO meeting for approval.  Hopefully, the revised plan will be more favorable for Nova Scotia.

 

CABO CAMP - 5TH ANNUAL - MONTREAL - July 17th to July 20th, 2003:

 

This year's application form for the 5th annual CABO camp is available on our website.   The Executive will also conduct a National Evaluator's Clinic in conjunction with the camp.  CABO has selected Garry Balcom to represent Nova Scotia at the camp.   The national CABO camps continue to be more than just an opportunity for officials to "home their officiating skills".   These camps are also being used as an opportunity to identify our "elite" officials.  Therefore, it is strongly recommended that any of our officials who have aspirations to move up the ranks within our organization give serious consideration to attending the CABO summer camps.

 

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 Women is Ted Wallace.  Thank you Alan King for your contribution.

 

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

 

CIS Men's

CCAA Women's

AUS Men's

AUS Women's

 

Roger Caulfield

 

Jon Hunt

Paul Hansen

Wendell Skeir

Nick Morash

 

 

Roger Caulfield

Ted Wallace

 

Reg Caulfield

 

CIS Women's

ACAA Men's

ACAA Women's

 

 

Reg Caulfield

Patti Hutchinson

 

Peter Phipps

Wendell Skeir

 

Paul Hansen

Nick Morash

 

 



We are being asked by CABO and our clients to send our most qualified officials to national championships.  Therefore, it is imperative that officials meet the standards and officiate a high number of games at the applicable level to be able to perform at the expected standard.

 

Nova Scotia has been allocated officials for both the juvenile (three-person) and midget (two-person) boys' national tournaments scheduled to take place in Halifax from July 30th to August 2nd, 2003.  Once again, we have been reminded to select officials capable of officiating at that level.  Recently, the National Council made a decision that this year CABO officials will be compensated by being paid a game fee.   This is in lieu of a sweat suit received in previous years.  This decision has created problems for Basketball Nova Scotia as it does not allow any time for them to financially plan for the tournament.



CERTIFICATION:

 

Congratulations to Paul Hansen, Nick Morash and Patti Hutchinson who have received Level III designation in our Certification Program.   This is the highest level which can be granted on a national basis and recognizes their professional stature and accomplishments achieved.  As well, Neil Deveau, Shane Hennigan, Kevin Newcombe, and Chris Ross were successful in meeting the Level II Certification requirements as a result of their performance at the NSSAF Championships.

 

AWARDS:

 

The Rod Shoveller Award was presented to Ryan Lutz of Wolfville.   The Frank Baldwin was presented to Gil Ross of Halifax.   Both awards were presented at this year's Rod Shoveller Tournament.   The J. A. Wink Willox Award recipient is Garry Balcom.   Congratulations!

 

CONCLUSION:

 

Thanks to the members of the Executive for their work and dedication.  May we strive to work towards serving our general membership and improving the quality of officiating at all levels of basketball.

 

 

R. J. Caulfield

Provincial Supervisor

Province of Nova Scotia