Provincial Supervisor Report - Spring 2009

OPENING REMARKS

One of our major successes this past season was the easy transition to one set of rules.  I attribute our success to the initial implementation commenced the previous season.  Our Executive had a very challenging year as we addressed many issues which required a number of conference calls, emails, phone calls and face to face meetings.  Although the management of many issues required much dialogue, we were successful in achieving consensus and believe we made the best decision on behalf of the membership.   

I would like to emphasis the need for each and every one of us to ensure we meet the timeframes attached to any assigned initiative/assignment.  A timely response and/or resolution of any issue ensure that we maintain our provincial organization’s integrity and professionalism.  Although we continue to deliver positive results in all areas it only takes one minor issue to shed a negative light on the entire provincial organization.   Remember the old saying “if you look after the small things, the big things look after themselves”.

NATIONAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

The National Officials Certification Program is a cooperative effort between Canada Basketball and CABO.  The purpose is to assist in the education and development of officials.  The program consists of 5 levels, 3 of which are administered by the provincial association, one by CABO and one by FIBA.  Certification is not a requirement to officiate.  However, CABO and Canada Basketball strongly encourage all officials to become certified.  Presently, some provinces have implemented Level 1 while others have not due to the absence of budgeted funds.  NSBO implemented Level 1 during the past season as it was in line with our existing certification program.   CABO has developed a design of this initiative so they can provide some financial support to assist provinces with the implementation.   NSBO’s next step is to designate provincial instructors for the implementation of the program (train the trainers).   It is anticipated that Levels 2, 3 and 4 will be ready for presentation to the AGM in St. John’s in September 2009.

ASSIGNMENTS

Congratulations to the following officials on their selection to provincial and national tournaments.  These officials received a positive evaluation from national evaluators especially in the area of mechanics and rules interpretation which speaks volumes of the work done behind the scenes by our College Commissioners and Provincial Evaluators.  Our officials may not always advance to the championship games due to one reason or the other however it is never due to a lack of preparation or quality work at these tournaments.  We are extremely pleased with our officials’ performance.

* championship game

CERTIFICATION

Congratulations to Laura Sanders, Dave McCrae, Irvine Carvery and Steve Oliver on being certified as Level II officials.  

THREE-PERSON OFFICATING

The AUS AGM meeting was held last fall and the Atlantic Conference Officials were represented by PEI Provincial Supervisor, Rob Anderson and NB Provincial Supervisor, Dave McManus.   Since then, Roger Caulfield, has joined the group and will be representing NSBO.  It is imperative that we provide Roger with a good understanding of our position on the issue as negotiations may prove to be most difficult.  We have recently received correspondence from Phillip Currie, Executive Director of AUS indicating they are prepared to accept the 3-man system for 2009-2010; however they are only prepared to pay for two officials.  The main reason behind this is the increasing pressure for the AUS to decrease cost.

CONTRACTS

Our AUS play-off agreement signed earlier in the year was adhered to by all parties.  However, we did fail to negotiate tickets for our officials.  Although it was not a major issue, it simply indicates that it is extremely important to ensure we review past agreements to ensure nothing is overlooked.  All contracts are up for negotiations and I would greatly welcome input from the executive prior to meeting with our clients.

CANADA GAMES

This summer’s Canada Games will be hosted by Prince Edward Island from August 16^th to the 22^nd.   The following Nova Scotia officials have been selected to attend: 

Mary Alice Butts, Ryan Lutes, Neil Deveau and Brian States.  (note:  championship games are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on the 22^nd of August).   I have requested a copy of the tournament schedule from Rob Anderson.  I will forward it to Paul Hanson who will in turn ensure it is posted on our website.

PASSING OF DYRICK McDERMOTT

NSBO is collecting money from officials to be sent to Dyrick’s family as a sign of our support during this difficult time.  I encourage anyone interested in donating money to contact Paul Hanson.

NATIONAL EVALUATORS

I have been informed that CABO has established a 3-year plan for the scheduling of National Evaluators which would see evaluators working twice during this period. 

FIBA OFFICIALS RECERTIFICATION CLINIC

Congratulations to Brent Stocker on his success at the FIBA license certification clinic in Montreal last October.   He will be joining Jon Hunt as NSBO’s only two carded officials and we wish them both the best in upcoming tournaments.

GRASS ROOT DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

Provincial Interpreter, Roger Caulfield will be conducting yet another “Camp of Excellence” for officials who were seeking to enhance their officiating skills.  Keep your eyes open for upcoming announcements.

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 15, 2009).  

CLOSING REMARKS

I would like to take this opportunity to applaud the efforts of all executive members and thank them for their enthusiasm and hard work.  

Reg Caulfield

Provincial Supervisor