Provincial Supervisor’s Report

NSBO’s Fall Meeting

September 23, 2007 – Halifax, Nova Scotia

Outlined below are some of the key issues addressed by CABO during this year’s AGM. 

-          FIBA Rules - The major issue facing most of Canada is centered around the FIBA rule and education.  At our meeting, it was agreed that our focus for this year should be the rules on the floor.  All provinces, with the exception of two associations in Ontario, will be playing games using FIBA rules.  The colleges and universities will be playing FIBA rules.  The CIS and CCAA officials will be using FIBA mechanics and the high school games will be officiated using the FIBA 2 person mechanics.  It would be beneficial to include coaches and players in our educational opportunities in order to facilitate the transition to the new rules.  CABO will provide as much educational information as possible.   

-          National Clinic - Roger Caulfield attended a training session for national clinicians held in Toronto in early June. 

-          CABO/CB Agreement - The CB/CABO agreement was finalized on May 14^th and we believe the future is very bright within the new structure. CABO has become a new First Partner with the CIS, CCAA and most basketball Provincial Sport Organizations and Canada Basketball.  In reference to the $50,000 commitment, we have received partial payment and anticipate receiving the remaining monies in the near future.   In the budget, some of the money has been directed towards officials’ development.

-          National Certification Program - CABO has adopted the Australian model for their National Certification Program.   The Steering Committee has recommended 4 to 5 levels with the first level being implemented by September 2008.   A National Certification Program will provide a vehicle to obtain funding to support the development of our officials.   Provincial Certification Programs will work hand in hand with the National Certification Program. 

-          Evaluations - Evaluations stemming from the Summer Tournaments have not yet been finalized; however, officials need to complete the evaluation process once they have received their personal evaluations.  The current evaluations forms are under revision.

-          Uniform - The approved uniform for National Championships will be the one currently being used by FIBA America.  Each province is free to decide what uniform will be their standard. 

-          BeOne Membership - Presently, the only Nova Scotia officials who are BeOne members are the ones who have attended National Championships as this was a prerequisite.  We will not be recommending BeOne membership for our members until we see there is value for our grass root officials.  Each province will be responsible to negotiate their own deal.

-          National Evaluator - John Whalen has been added to the National Evaluators Panel.  The list is presently under review to determine what action is required.  

-          International Appointments - The majority of international appointments are being selected by FIBA with very little opportunity for CABO to assign individual officials (note: Out of 9 tournaments, Canadian officials worked 5 gold medal games).  CABO is planning to add 4 more officials to the international list.  These officials can come from anywhere in the country – it will be performance based.

-          AGM - CABO has formulated a committee to review the efficiency and effectiveness of the current structure of the AGM.  

-          Provincial Challenges - CABO recognizes the many challenges the provinces currently face (i.e. recruitment, discipline, developmental opportunities, etc.)  and is seeking feedback from respective provinces concerning initiatives that can be expanded upon by CABO.

-          Awards - The Wink Willox Award was awarded to Bill White and the Ritchie/Nicurity Scholarship was awarded to Daniel Sullivan of New Brunswick (currently attending Dalhousie University). 

-          Contracts - CABO is presently embarking on negotiations with CIS, CCAA and Canada Basketball and recognizes that some changes will be needed.  Provincial Supervisors will be providing input throughout the negotiations.  Also, preliminary contact has been made with the Canada Games Council in preparation for the summer games of 2009 in P.E.I.

-          CABO’s Website – there will be significant developments in the management of the website within the very near future.

-          CABO Membership – there is presently 3,668 CAB0 members – represents a total increase of 187.   Nova Scotia membership is 190 (increase of 27).

SUMMER CLINIC:

This past summer, Roger Caulfield conducted a “Camp of Excellence” for 20 young officials who were seeking to get a jump start on the FIBA rules and enhanced their officiating skills with the aspiration of officiating at a higher level.  National Evaluators, Rob Anderson and Reg Jewkes assisted Roger with this successful initiative.

CONTRACTS:

We presently have a signed contract with all of our clients; however, we need to begin negotiating with the AUS in order to ensure we have a contract in place prior to the beginning of season 2008-2009.  Recently, the AUS has appointed two new Chairs, Brian Heaney (women’s) and Leo MacPherson (men’s).  It is hoped that having two knowledgeable chairs dealing with basketball issues will assist us in moving our agenda forward. 

The Atlantic Provinces’ 4-year agreement (currently in its 3^rd year) has presented many obstacles and thanks to Dave McManus, we were able to resolve the play-off assignments while still sending our most qualified officials.  The AUS were not happy with the outcome as we were only able to provide them with one female official.  This issue remains one of contention as we continue to struggle with the development of female officials.   Dave McManus is responsible for negotiating our new play-off agreement and has in fact already started the process.  

NATIONAL APPOINTMENTS:

INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENT:

Jon Hunt – Pan American Games (Men’s & Women’s) – July 2007

GAME FEES (2007/08):

(refer to NSBO’s rate sheet)

AUS Men & Women               - $91.00

ACAA Men & Women            - $60.00

Senior Men                             - $60.00

NSSAF (High School)            - $38.00

Juvenile                                   - $35.00

Midget                                     - $33.00

Bantam                                   - $26.00

Mini                                         - $24.00

CONCLUSION:

One area that remains problematic is the collection, reporting and sharing of information as it pertains to incidents.   We have implemented a “Fan Abuse Protocol” last year in order to address some of the increased incidents reported throughout the province.   We desperately need to improve the reporting system to ensure that all incidents are reported, accurately recorded, investigated and corrective action is taken in a timely basis.   All of our partners share the same concern and agree that improvements are necessary if we are going to provide a better product and effectively address the behavior problems that are currently affecting the game. 

Another important area that requires our attention is the equity training of officials and the request from the African-Canadian community to work out a plan to help recruit and retain those officials. 

Reg Caulfield – Provincial Supervisor