NOVA SCOTIA SUPERVISOR'S REPORT

SUBMITTED TO:

THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF

BASKETBALL OFFICIALS

BY:

REG CAULFIELD

Winnipeg, Manitoba

September 2002

OPENING REMARKS

Considering our many objectives during the past year, I must say that we were pleased with the results achieved and the number of initiatives we were able to implement.  The policies and procedures currently in place to manage our association are now more transparent and clearly understood by more of our officials.  This is an essential component if we are to manage our association with openness and integrity.   Some of our major achievements were: signing of a two year agreement with AUS, utilization of professional development fund, opportunity for a number of officials to attend national tournaments, participation at the Three Person Clinic held in Moncton,  creation of our web site, registration of our officials, the resolution of disciplinary investigations and the numerous development and evaluation opportunities provided to our officials.

To concur with numerous comments from our basketball partners, our concern is in maintaining the professionalism of the game of basketball.  Over the past year, we encountered numerous problems with parents, fans and players being very disrespectful thus bringing shame/embarrassment to the sport.  Nova Scotia needs to look at ways to resolve these issues promptly and to ensure all officials are consistent in managing these kinds of situations.

OBJECTIVES 2002/03 SEASON:

Ø       Obtain the services of senior/retired officials who have the tools and skills to support the development and mentoring of new officials.

Ø       Increase our involvement/attendance at the CABO Officials' Camp in Montreal.

Ø       Emphasis will be placed on improving collaboration among all of our partners.

Ø       Continue efforts to recruit and retain young new officials who have the potential for advancement and growth (with an emphasis on female officials).

Ø       Complete contract negotiations with ACAA, NSSAF and Basketball Nova Scotia.

Ø       Develop criteria and adopt best practices in the selection and assigning of officials working the University panel.

Ø       Improve our effectiveness in managing unruly parents, fans and players who bring shame/embarrassment to the sport of basketball.

AUS:

A new set of operating procedures for the AUS Championships has been fully implemented and proved most successful.   I wish to express my gratitude to John Walsh, Provincial Supervisor Newfoundland, for his contribution to this initiative.   An agreement has been reached for a two-year contract.  Ratification of this agreement created much controversy in our province and resulted in Bruce Duffy's resignation as President of NSBO.  Not all senior members are in agreement with this contract however we need to forge ahead and begin mending our differences if we are to be an effective association in the years to come.  Suffice it to say that we cannot afford to loose the services of valuable members due to disputes and differences of opinion.   It is hoped that we have learnt a valuable lesson and will work hard at avoiding such situations in the future.

ACAA:

Our relationship with the ACAA continues to be of high quality and this was apparent during our participation in their provincial play-offs and championships.  The championships in Truro provided an opportunity for the organizing committee to experience three-person officiating at this level and observe the tangible benefits first hand.  As a result, meetings are now being held to determine the future as it relates to three-person crews.   The National CCAA Women's Championships are scheduled to take place in Truro next year.

BASKETBALL NOVA SCOTIA:

We have had numerous discussions with BNS and our lines of communication have significantly improved through the support of Ed McHugh, President of BNS (official) and Jon Hunt, President of NSBO.   Basketball Nova Scotia has been very supportive of developmental opportunities for Nova Scotia officials.  Our province supports any initiative that will result in Canada Basketball improving their relationship with us and contributing to our service delivery.

NATIONAL ASSIGNMENTS:

More and more officials from every part of Canada have been given the opportunity to work with officials from other provinces.  It is our belief that such opportunities are valuable and contribute to the official's growth and development.  Therefore, it is important that we continue to provide such opportunities for our officials and that we manage a fair and open selection process.

We support CABO's direction of providing a superior level of officiating at national tournaments therefore we may have to review our selection process in order to achieve this.  We must ensure the most qualified and experienced officials are selected to work these tournaments.

The following officials represented Nova Scotia at national tournaments:

* officials refereeing their first national championship

AWARDS:

The Rod Shoveller Rookie Award was presented for the first time to Angela Thistle from Halifax and the Frank Baldwin Award was presented to Wayne Shipley (a previous Wink Willox Award recipient).

CONCLUSION:

In closing, we would be remiss if we did not take this opportunity to thank Dave McManus and Bill Carr for organizing the Three Person Clinic held in Moncton this past weekend.  Approximately 40 Nova Scotia officials attended the clinic.  Both Bill Crowley and Don Cline did a tremendous job in meeting expectations and positive results should be seen in the upcoming season.   This initiative is a positive step in recognition of grass root development.  Job well done.

R. J. Caulfield

Provincial Supervisor

Province of Nova Scotia