Provincial Supervisor AGM Report 2008

OPENING REMARKS:

Our main accomplishment this past season was the easy transition to one set of rules.  The transition was a success due to strong leadership and effective management of the process.  Based on the information I have received, this was a success story throughout the country.  Nonetheless, I expect there will be some minor modifications required along the way.  Our major challenge remains the recruitment of officials (especially in some of the more isolated areas in the province) and the supervision of officials.

One of the larger projects I worked on this season was the development of a work description and criteria for the Commissioner positions. 

Outlined below are some of the key issues that have been addressed with our various partners:

CABO

·      provided us with additional funding for education and development but they were hoping it would result in an increased CABO membership

·      As part of CABO’s succession planning for FIBA licenses, they invited us to identify an official for their consideration.  The Selection Committee nominated Dave McGratton.  The final results have yet to be released and the tentative plan is to have the participants attend a clinic in October to commence the process.

·      Canada Basketball is presently undergoing major changes in their organization which may produce some changes for us.  One area of interest is that the BeOne Program no longer exists as we know it; however, they are still looking at maintaining a national membership program.

·      The first level of the Certification Program is near completion.  Meetings     are scheduled for June to finalize this portion of the initiative and hopefully implementation will take place in September.  Obviously, we will need to have a wait and see attitude until the final results are shared with us.

AUS

·      Play-off agreement has been signed-off for 2008-2012. 

·      We have established a negotiation committee to immediately commence preliminary discussions regarding recent developments (i.e. 2-person officiating).  This debate will obviously be arduous and closely monitored by CABO and other interested parties.  I would like to receive your comments in relation to the proposed changes. 

ACAA

·      Some of the concerns expressed by the ACAA Convenors during recent years regarding the selection/assignment process have been addressed.  Both their provincial and national play-offs were very successful and our officials were recognized for their excellent performance.  I also received very positive comments from the Convenors regarding the quality work delivered by Commissioner, Keith Finck.

NSSAF

·      We continue to enjoy a very positive relationship with NSSAF in the absence of the Executive Director, Tom Fahie, most of the year.  NSSAF voiced their satisfaction with the selection process for this year’s provincial championships however had concerned with the cost associated with certain assignments.  

·      One outstanding issue is the recruitment of officials in the remote areas. 

·      In addition, I understand there are a number of issues being tabled by their Executive and some of them may impact on us.  I will share more information on this subject as I receive it.  

BNS

·      NSBO continues to work on their partnership with BNS and maintain open communication as both organizations have high expectations with the level of service provided.  However, during the past season there have been a number of issues that required our attention such as:  no zone rule (unification of rules), discipline, enforcement of standards, assignment process, and recruitment of officials (cost). 

·      The Executive Director has asked NSBO to provide a representative to sit on their Games & Rules Committee (rule enforcement).  

·      It has been discussed that BNS could greatly assist NSBO with the recruitment and the development of officials by offering some financial support. 

·      Don will be addressing the group during our spring meeting thus providing an opportunity for our membership to have an open discussion.

CABO CAMP SCHOLARSHIP – FUNDING FOR OFFICIALS:

Again this year, each province has been allotted $500 by CABO towards Camp Scholarships.  Officials should take advantage of this opportunity.  Interested officials should submit their name to their Area Supervisor who in turn will submit names to the President for final selection (deadline June 8, 2008).  

CERTIFICATION:

Congratulations to Jeffrey Burke on being certified as a Level II official.  

Following a review of national evaluations, I am pleased to announce that Greg Parsons and Dave McGratton have been certified as Level III officials.

ASSIGNMENTS:

Congratulations to the following officials on their success at their respective provincial and national tournament.  Each of these officials has received a positive evaluation which again validates NSBO’s commitment to providing quality officials to the highest level of officiating.

**Note:  Reg Jewkes has received an Assignor/Evaluator assignment this summer to the U17 Boys Nationals hosted in PEI.

SUMMER TOURNAMENTS:

Nova Scotia has been allocated 5 assignments to the U17 Boys and Girls National Championships to be held in Charlottetown, PEI from August 19-23.  The Selection Committee is in the process of finalizing their decision. 

CLOSING REMARKS:

I would like to take this opportunity to praise the efforts of all Executive Members and thank them for their tireless work. 

R. J. Caulfield

Provincial Supervisor

Province of Nova Scotia