MIES (Switzerland) – FIBA and the NBA joined forces for the Global Referee Camp held in Debrecen, Hungary. This exclusive event united top referee instructors from both organisations to collaborate on refining referee training, particularly in analysing play situations through video breakdowns.

With 18 FIBA referees from around the world, including four women, the camp focused on enhancing the skills of referees through the critical analysis and application of officiating principles.

The referee instructors’ team of Roberto Chiari, Albert Joseph, Mike Thomson, and Joe Crawford, worked with the referees to analyse specific officiating concepts which included refereeing the defence, areas of responsibility, teamwork, and the maintenance of discipline during set plays. They engaged referees both on and off the court, conducting interactive discussions, debriefs, and video analysis sessions.

Referee Instructor Albert Joseph: It was a great opportunity for FIBA and the NBA to synchronise our training and development principles and practices. The benefit was having the time for 360-degree reviews of game play situations on a range of topics, both on and off the court. A very worthwhile program.

FIBA's Head of Refereeing, Carl Jungebrand, stated that the camp and the training has reinforced that a single blueprint of basketball officiating exists between FIBA and the NBA. Both adhere to the same concepts and principles, and it was pleasing to reconfirm how closely aligned the concepts are.

The referees also found the new standard helpful and motivational.

Cecília Montgomery-Tóth FIBA Referee from Hungary explained: "You think you know something and then you come to the classroom, or you go to a post-game and you realise that no, you still have a lot to learn. There is always room to improve. So, once you think that you have reached a level, don't let it get in your head, you can still be better."

The success of the Global Referee Camp extends beyond what happened in Debrecen; it establishes a new benchmark for referee training worldwide. It exemplifies FIBA’s and the NBA's commitment to elevating basketball officiating standards.