MIES (Switzerland) ¬– The journeys of Elite Programme referees Julirys Guzmán Laureano (Puerto Rico) and Çisil Güngör (Turkey) offer powerful motivation for aspiring referees, especially women. Their success in reaching the top of international basketball officiating is built on passion, discipline, and a commitment to excellence.

 

Different paths

Julirys and Çisil prove there is no single path to elite status. Julirys' career began unexpectedly; a Table Official who never played competitive basketball, she immediately "fell in love with officiating" after her first game. She balances her FIBA schedule with a full-time job, underscoring the vital need for greater flexibility for dual-career professionals. Çisil, in contrast, was a lifelong player who consciously chose officiating to remain on the court. She is now a full-time referee, demonstrating that deep passion leads to professional dedication.
Reaching the top requires continuous learning and lots of effort. Both of them stress the need for unwavering discipline, with Julirys training twice daily for fitness. They highlight the importance of being open to criticism and self-reflection, viewing feedback as an essential tool for identifying strengths and weaknesses. In high-stakes environments, earning respect is super important. Çisil learned that strong communication, positive body language, and self-confidence guide how others react, while Julirys maintains focus with positive self-talk: "Trust the system, trust my process."

 

Dream big 

As women in a male-dominated field, their visibility is vital for the future. They agree that professionalism and competence are the ultimate equalizers, as participants primarily want referees who "know how to do the job." Both acknowledged the importance of mentorship, having benefited from guidance themselves and now serving as role models for younger colleagues, a critical cycle of support. They highly value FIBA’s initiatives, like dedicated camps and webinars, for providing platforms where women can network and develop together. They believe that with this dedication, the future will see more quality women referees and full acceptance across the global basketball community. The final takeaway for aspiring female referees is simple: Dream big and be a professional first. Focus on controlling your preparation, your discipline, and your attitude; excellence on the court will surely bring opportunities.

 

 

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