Referees Ready for U17 Women's World Cup After Intensive Pre-Competition Camp

LEÓN (Mexico) – The FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup is more than just a sporting event; it's a platform where the sport's future takes shape. Behind the scenes, the referees play a crucial role in ensuring fair play and upholding the integrity of the game. Recognizing this, FIBA organized a comprehensive two-day Pre-Competition Camp (PCC) in Mexico to prepare the officiating crew for the tournament, which is a standard final step before the games start.

This intensive camp dug into various aspects of refereeing, including protocols, decision-making under pressure, managing unsportsmanlike fouls, and the responsibilities of the fourth official. The goal was to equip the referees with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a high standard of officiating throughout the World Cup.

Following the PCC, three referees – Martin Davison from Australia, Silvia Marziali from Italy, and Ventsislav Velikov from Bulgaria – shared their thoughts and key takeaways from the experience. Their insights shed light on the dedication and preparation required to officiate at such a prestigious event.

Martin Davison (Australia) highlighted the value of connecting with fellow referees to establish a unified approach before the tournament. He emphasized the importance of classroom sessions in fostering critical thinking and learning. Davison's key learnings centered on primary coverage and help defender roles, as well as effective communication within the crew. During the games, he aims to focus on contact criteria, maintaining a patient whistle, and ensuring proper coverage in the fast-paced environment of U17 women's basketball.

Silvia Marziali (Italy) found the intensive pre-competition teamwork instrumental in solidifying months of preparation. She appreciated the opportunity to enhance communication among the crew and with coaches and players. Marziali noted the value of working on protocols, discipline, and the fundamentals of quality decision-making. Additionally, she praised the physical training sessions focused on improving mobility, reactivity, and quickness.

Ventsislav Velikov (Bulgaria) underscored the importance of on-court discipline and primary coverage. He emphasized the value of understanding individual responsibilities within the crew, ensuring comprehensive coverage and avoiding double whistles. Velikov also highlighted the significance of discipline, trust, and respect in achieving quality decisions. His personal focus for the tournament will be on improving discipline, primary coverage, and play processing.

The referees' collective commitment to preparation and continuous improvement sets the stage for a high level of officiating at the U17 Women's Basketball World Cup. Their dedication to understanding the nuances of the game and working cohesively as a team promises to enhance the overall experience for players, coaches, and fans alike.