ISTANBUL/LEÓN (Turkiye/Mexico) – The U17 Men's and Women's Basketball World Cups in Turkiye and Mexico respectively are a prime opportunity to witness not only the emerging talent on the court but also FIBA's innovative approach to referee mental preparation. We sat down with Dubravka Martinovic, FIBA's sports psychology expert, to gain insights into the mind games behind the whistles.

"Our goal is to equip referees with the mental tools to thrive under pressure," Martinovic explains. This summer's program has focused on tactical awareness, mental resilience, and effective decision-making in the heat of the game. Role-playing scenarios and mental checklist protocols are used to simulate the intensity of tournament and help officials maintain their focus.

But what about the marathon nature of these events? Martinovic emphasizes the importance of a "day-by-day, game-by-game" mentality. "We prioritize the process over the outcome," she highlights. "We encourage them to prioritize consistent, high-quality officiating over the desire for specific outcomes in terms of any aspects of refereeing."

Regular feedback sessions help referees identify areas for immediate improvement and long-term development. "Of course, even the best referees make mistakes." Martinovic aims to boost a structured approach to analysing errors, often using video replays to gain objective insights. "The sooner we find the 'why' behind the mistake, the more efficient our recovery," she states. Crucially, referees are urged to view mistakes as learning opportunities rather than personal failures.

Martinovic's work highlights the growing recognition of mental fitness in officiating. By cultivating resilience, tactical awareness, and a growth mindset, FIBA is ensuring that the referees at the U17 Basketball World Cups are not just physically prepared, but mentally equipped to handle the challenges of this lengthy, high-stakes tournament.

FIBA