Antwerp, Belgium, and Sopron, Hungary recently served as dynamic backdrops for intensive Pre-Competition Clinics (PCC) dedicated to fine-tuning the skills and preparations of referees for the upcoming FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (WOQTs).
 
Antwerp, Belgium: Hosted at the Mercure Hotel Antwerp City Centre, the two-day PCC in Antwerp, led by Referee Instructor Nadine Crowley from Canada, played a crucial role in preparing referees for the high-stakes WOQTs. The program kicked off with referees introducing themselves and delving into team scouting reports. Detailed discussions covered specific elements of the game, including unsportsmanlike fouls, shooter protection, and protocol application. The referees also engaged in sessions on Instant Replay System (IRS) reviews, ensuring consistency in protocol application.

Fitness sessions and walk-through exercises focused on refining mechanics and fostering team chemistry, essential components for seamless officiating, also took place during the PCC. As the PCC concluded, Nadine Crowley sought feedback from referees, with Viola Györgyi and Yasmina Alcaraz Moreno emphasizing the importance of on-court sessions in aligning criteria and fostering a cohesive approach. Referee Yann Davidson praised the connected and open-minded group, expressing gratitude for the valuable support received.

Nadine Crowley emphasized the PCC's significance in bringing the crew together, building camaraderie, and highlighting collective responsibility. With enhanced skills and newfound insights, the referees are well-prepared to officiate the FIBA WOQTs confidently, ensuring the integrity and fairness of the game.
 
Sopron, Hungary: Eight dedicated referees, representing FIBA from various continents, gathered at Hotel Sopron for the PCC ahead of the Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Hungary. Referee Instructor Chantal Julien from France led the two-day intensive training workshop, commencing with presentations of scouting results, plays, and team characteristics. The training covered elements such as unsportsmanlike fouls, protecting shooters, and protocol application. 

Afternoons were dedicated to gym practices to refine 3PO mechanics and court presence. Head of Refereeing Carl Jungebrand conveyed closing words online, encouraging the referees and emphasizing the significance of every call they make.

Chantal Julien expressed confidence in the motivated group, emphasizing the PCC's role in reinforcing basic principles. Referees Nicolas Fernandes, Sara Elsharnouby, and Arnold Moseya highlighted the importance of re-standardizing processes, practicing unique role plays, and adopting a mindset of officiating through the big picture. The interactive and inclusive learning methods, including role plays and feedback sessions, received praise for their effectiveness. With a focus on re-establishing protocols and fostering a mindset of quality decision-making, the referees from Sopron are poised to demonstrate excellent officiating during the tournament.

The collaborative efforts in both Antwerp and Sopron showcase the dedication of basketball referees to continuous learning and preparation, ensuring a high level of officiating quality in the upcoming FIBA WOQTs.

Nicolas FERNANDES (AUS) said: "The key takeaway from this PCC is to re-standardize the processes and reestablish the protocols according to the latest version within FIBA. Since we worked in a small group, we had the chance to practise role plays that were unique and very useful."

Sara ELSHARNOUBY, a FIBA referee from Egypt said: "We were learning during this PCC to have the mindset of officiating through the big picture, to gather more information, more details and these bits will let us have more quality decisions. We came here prepared, but we could even grow here, and we did it as a group, which is amazing."

Arnold MOSEYA (KSA) said: "We are aware that a high-level standard is required from us, a quality officiating as a crew and also individually, like how I can add value to it. The learning methods were awesome, they were very interactive, and inclusive, for me the favourite part was the role play and how we were feeding back after each task." 

FIBA