MIES (Switzerland) - In the ever-evolving world of basketball officiating, staying even with the game is crucial. FIBA has recently introduced the "Improve Your... Mobility" document, a valuable resource designed to enhance referees' mobility and overall performance.

The small manual emphasizes the importance of mobility for basketball referees, explaining how it can lead to enhanced performance, injury prevention, and improved overall physical fitness. By incorporating targeted exercises, referees can experience better movement mechanics, precision, and power generation on the court. Additionally, the handbook aims to reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and joint stiffness, common ailments among referees due to the demanding nature of the job.

FIBA Elite Programme referees have already integrated these mobility workouts into their training for major FIBA competitions, demonstrating the manual’s effectiveness at the highest levels of the sport. Professor Alejandro Vaquera, FIBA’s Global Referee Fitness Coordinator confirms "Elite Programme referees have been using these mobility workouts in major FIBA competitions in recent years as an important part of their training."

The "Improve Your... Mobility" document is not just for the top-tier referees, however.
Prof. Vaquera recommends: "Referees should widely adopt these exercises as a foundational component of their training regimen to maximize their potential and maintain peak physical condition."

This manual represents a significant step forward in the development of referee training resources. By prioritizing mobility, FIBA is investing in the long-term health and performance of its officials, ultimately contributing to a higher standard of officiating across the sport.

The document is part of FIBA Referee Operations “Improve Your...” series and it is available @ FIBA iREF TOOLS / Library APP.

FIBA