BEIRUT (Lebanon) – The presence of twelve women, out of 34 participants, was the highlight in the workshop for young referees in Iran conducted by FIBA Regional Office-Asia. The three-day (Feb 13-15) workshop which was organised under the aegis of I.R.Iranian Basketball Federation at Tehran was exclusive for referees between the ages of 20-32.

As is the norm in all such workshops, training was provided in theoretical learning as well as practical lessons. In the theory sessions, they were taken through topics ranging from Rules and Interpretation to Modern Officiating Techniques. In the practical sessions they were trained in subjects such as IOT, 3PO and Mechanics.

“Such workshop are very beneficial for the young generation of referees to ensure the technical quality of the game remains intact in the future,” said IRIBF President Javad Davari .

Davari, who donned the Iranian National Team colours on five occasions in FIBA Asia Cup – including the title triumphs in 2007, 09 and 2013 added: “We understand that the referees are now young, but they need to cope with the increasing intensity in action on court as they grow in their career.”

“Only then we can expect that the game maintains its high standards,” Davari added.

“The three-day referees’ workshop was highly beneficial and impactful,” said Afra Bahrami one of the twelve women to attend the workshop.

“It is truly valuable to see how the Iranian Basketball Federation prioritizes our (referees) growth in knowledge and skills,” the FIBA Referee added.

Hossein Rezania, another FIBA Referee said: “The most interesting part for me was the topic of IOT and the IRS cases.”

FIBA