MIES (Switzerland) – Proactive scouting is an essential tool for modern referees, as it bridges the gap between team tactics and officiating mechanics to help referees anticipate plays, improve positioning, and maintain the mental clarity needed to handle high-stakes moments with confidence. In modern basketball, the best referees are no longer just reactive; they are proactive. The latest in FIBA Referee Operation’s Monday Special webinar series explores why scouting is a vital tool for referees at every level. This session isn’t just about X’s and O’s—it’s about using tactical knowledge to gain a mental edge on the court, ensuring that the game’s biggest moments are met with clarity and precision.

Coaches do it, players do it—should referees do it?

Hosted by Greydy Diaz, the discussion featured deep technical insights from Waseem Husainy from Canada and Wojciech Liszka from Poland. Together, they bridged the gap between team tactics and officiating game plan, explaining how a referee’s preparation can directly influence their performance. They addressed a key question: Coaches do it, players do it—should referees do it? The answer was a resounding yes. With knowledge of offensive systems and defensive traps, positioning becomes intuitive. The referees are able to get in the right place before the play even starts. Preparation is the bridge between being a good referee and being an elite referee. It gives you the confidence to make the hard decisions.

Looking to elevate your game

This webinar is a must-watch for any referee looking to elevate their game preparation. It provides a roadmap on how to scout and the practical methods available to help you analyze teams effectively. You will learn how understanding a team's tendencies leads to better decision-making, reduced stress, and higher-quality officiating.
 

Watch the Full Webinar            

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Monday Special Webinars – FIBA Referee Operations’ monthly webinar series running during the basketball season. 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.