“One FIBA" vision drives innovation and higher standards at FIBA global referee team management workshop.
MIES (Switzerland) – The second and third days of the FIBA Global Referee Team Management Meeting focused on a strategic overhaul of officiating standards. Key discussions centered on the rollout of iREF tools, the upcoming 2027-29 Game Official Licensing cycle, and the implementation of Self-Study Modules. One of the highlights of the sessions included a presentation by the FIBA Referees Global Fitness Team, who shared statistical success stories and a data-driven vision for the future. Supporting this evolution, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis joined the workshop virtually, reaffirming the organization's commitment by pledging the necessary resources to ensure refereeing continues to elevate in lockstep with the modern game.
Mr Mathurin N'Guessan, Referee Manager of FIBA Africa
Diversity in perspective fueled the workshop’s collaborative spirit, as regional managers shared their unique goals and early impressions. FIBA Referee manager in Africa, Mathurin N’Guessan, emphasized the "One FIBA" philosophy, noting that his primary objective is to align regional training with global "next steps" to significantly raise the floor of referee performance. For Mr. N’Guessan, the vital takeaway was the necessity of stronger communication with National Federations to better synchronize the development of instructors and elite-program referees. Meanwhile, Manuel Mazzoni, the newly appointed Deputy Referee Manager for Europe, expressed an eager commitment to integrating the latest innovations in pedagogy and learning technology to enhance the training of FIBA referees in Europe.
The workshop concluded with intensive brainstorming sessions aimed at redefining the future of the global refereeing community. Participants collectively embraced a new benchmark for excellence, acknowledging that the rapid evolution of basketball demands constant adaptation. This sentiment was covered in the meeting’s core motto: "What was considered exceptionally good yesterday, is considered standard quality today and below standard quality tomorrow." By prioritizing continuous improvement and the implementation of fresh, innovative teaching methods, FIBA Global Refereeing Team is ensuring that the referees of tomorrow are prepared to meet the ever-increasing demands of the sport.
FIBA