VP Report to NSBO
Spring 2002 General Meeting

Discipline Committee:

Congratulations to all NSBO members and especially our Area Supervisors. There were only two referrals to the Committee requiring investigation this season. Early in the season an altercation between 2 NSBO members (one coaching, one refereeing) resulted in two suspensions in the Halifax area. Our ongoing Valley West saga, involving Gordon Brown, reached its zenith with a special Discipline Committee, chaired by Pat Nearing, recommending Gordon’s membership in NSBO be terminated for one year. As per the constitution a special executive meeting was convened. Presentations were heard from Gordon, Ralph Smith – Area Supervisor, Valley West and Pat Nearing. The Executive unanimously endorsed the Committee’s recommendation and Gordon is eligible to reapply for NSBO membership in September 2002. Thanks to all those who sacrificed a Sunday evening in December to ensure due process was accorded all those involved!

BNS Liaison:

Relations with BNS continue to improve. BNS and NSBO have had numerous discussions (both verbal and electronic) on disturbing trends in the game, particularly unsporting behavior by players, coaches and parents/spectators. Particularly disturbing to me was the number of fan-related incidents at the mini and junior mini provincials. I have suggested to BNS President, Ed McHugh, that he convene a “basketball summit” to discuss this and other issues facing all of the stakeholders involved in basketball. Some dates in May have been suggested but nothing concrete is scheduled at this time.

Area Supervisors:

 Please ensure that dealing with unsporting conduct of players/coaches/fans is a point of emphasis for your fall clinics. In particular, please review:

1.                  Procedures for dealing with unruly fans that may necessitate either removal of the fan or cancellation of the contest, and,

2.                  The increasing use of profanity by all involved and appropriate game management sanctions for this behavior.

 We have made great strides to improve the professionalism among NSBO members. Our goals now should be:

 1.      To maintain our efforts, and,
2.      To improve the decorum of players/coaches/spectators.

 BNS Awards – Congratulations to NSBO President Bruce Duffy and MABO member Bill O’Hearon for their selections as BNS Official of the Year and BNS Award of Merit winner (for significant contribution to officiating at the minor/club level), respectively. Their contributions to all levels of basketball are far-reaching and most commendable!

Professional Development Initiative:

I have made a proposal to the PD Coordinator to establish a high-performance weekend dedicated to development of our elite female officials. I have had discussions on this with the Provincial Supervisor, Provincial Assessor, and Women’s College Commissioner. If Area Supervisors have suitable candidates in mind please contact me ASAP. The candidates should have demonstrated a proven ability to officiate at the Division I/II high school level with aspirations to reach the AUS level. The weekend will possibly be held in Truro in conjunction with a Div I/II girls’ tournament. Details to follow!

AUS Contract Committee:

My experience on the AUS Contract Committee has been an interesting one to say the least. My thanks to Garry Balcom and Ted Wallace for their hard work and dedication to improving our AUS relationship and structure for ALL involved. The goal of the Committee from the onset was to make gains for NSBO members, where possible, and to consider structural changes from which the majority of those officials involved (or about to become involved) at the AUS level would benefit. The majority of the AUS panel have spoken to me, privately, on the need for change within the panel. Hopefully this proposed agreement speaks to those concerns. It was disappointing to me; personally, that we were not able to implement the 3-person system for the AUS Women’s game at this time but I believe it will occur soon.

Make no mistake: our Committee and the AUS were, and remain, dedicated to providing the best possible officials at all AUS-NS schools.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jonathan Hunt

NSBO VP