MIES (Switzerland) – Preparation is essential for modern referees, and as FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournaments’ windows approach, the demand for elite-level officiating is at an all-time high. This FIBA Referee Operations’ Women is Officiating explores the preparation strategies of top female referees. This session focuses on the mental toughness and professional standards required to excel in high-stakes global tournaments.

Balancing the Grind: Domestic World Stage

Hosted by Greydy Diaz, the discussion featured insights from Cisil Gungor (TUR), Viola Giorgi (NOR), Chantal Julien (FRA), and Maripier Malo (CAN). The panelists emphasized that elite officiating requires a holistic approach—prioritizing recovery, nutrition, and time management to transition seamlessly between different leagues and rule sets.

Handling Pressure and High Stakes

A key focus was mental resilience. The referees shared techniques for remaining calm, including self-talk and focused breathing. The discussion also celebrated the evolution of women in officiating, noting that while representation is increasing, professionalism and performance remain the primary benchmarks for success.

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Women in Officiating Webinars – The webinars provide referees and other basketball enthusiasts with wide-ranging insights into basketball and officiating topics, featuring diverse viewpoints and learning opportunities from a wide range of experts.