Cboa Newsletter Jun09

Volume I Issue 6

Serving the Basketball Community since 1952

June 2009

Opening Tip 2009 – 2010 CBOA Executive

President’s Message Don Herman

President:

Don Herman [email protected]

Hi,

Vice-President:

The 2008-09 season is now over and what a season it was! Four National appointments at the CIS & CCAA level resulting in 3 gold medal games and a bronze medal appointment. Big congratulations go out to Michael Weiland, Troy Eager, Doug Carter and Melanie Gray. In addition, Keith Uthe and Sergio Giordano both did the gold medal finals in the Canadian National Wheelchair Club championships and the Canadian National Wheelchair Provincial championships respectively. Finally, let’s not forget to mention all those individuals who officiated the medal games at the provincial level this year. All-in-all a job EXTREMELY WELL DONE! With the talent we have here in Calgary, it simply makes our job at the Executive that much more difficult and rewarding. Thank you all!

Rod Davidson [email protected]

Past President: Fino Tiberi [email protected]

Treasurer:

Evan Picton [email protected] Secretary:

Don MacDonald [email protected] Evaluation Chair:

Ian Pollard [email protected] Education Chair:

Mike Bittante [email protected] Member-at-Large: Newsletter:

Grant Hoe [email protected] Commissioners:

John Wieland Dick Vanderstam [email protected]

Executive Email: [email protected]

As most of you know by now we had our elections in May and with that some new faces have joined us. I would like to welcome Ian Pollard to the Executive as Evaluation Chairperson. Ian is keen to get the mentorship program going full tilt again and will be working closely with Mike Bittante on implementing the new national certification program from CABO. Rod Davidson has changed portfolios and is now the Vice President. Rod Davidson will continue to work closely with all members of the Executive but will also be the main contact for the Membership Committee. Finally I would like to thank Stephen Anthony who “retired” from the Executive this year. His effort and contribution to our group will be missed. Good news is that he will now be eligible to do twice as many games given his new found free time! There is one other change I want to let you know about. The Executive has hired Ken Runquist to the position of Webmaster and Assistant Assignor. Ken was the main developer behind the ABOA’s website and has agreed to continue with the upgrading of our website. In addition he will be working closely with Dick Vanderstam over the next several months in getting up to speed with some of the assigning duties in preparation for John’s “retirement”. In John’s case, retirement means that he will simply be moving over to do more education and evaluation in the future. Welcome aboard Ken!! Well that’s it for now. I hope to see you on the court this summer and maybe even at a camp! Have a great summer!

CBOA online: http://www.cboa.ca

Next Meeting: Tip Off, September 10, 2009 St. Mary’s HS 7:00pm

1

Volume I Issue 6

Serving the Basketball Community since 1952

June 2009

1st Quarter Important Dates: June 5 – 7 Shooting Stars Tournament June 12 – 13 Tournament June 26 – 28 Canada West Camp, Edmonton July 3 – 5 Prairie Dog Camp, Saskatoon July 2 – 5 Stampede Shootout July 10 – 12 Tournament

Treasurer’s Report Evan Picton Thank goodness busy season is over! Now that the games have decreased, the cheques have been written, and the financial statements are up to date, we can address two issues that I think are and will be quite important to CBOA members. First, the advance process for CBOA members. As you may know, the CBOA provides advances on game fees EARNED. These advances typically have been on a monthly advance; however, “one-off” requests are also available. The maximum amount of an advance is calculated according to the following formula: Game fees earned from the last pay period cut-off to the request date LESS CBOA 11% LESS a holdback for fines ($100 for every $1000 in games refereed) LESS Amounts withheld (i.e. ABOA fees, equipment purchases, etc.) LESS Amounts previously advanced since the last pay night. Holdbacks are applied for two reasons. The most obvious one is to ensure that no official is paid more than he/she has earned. The second is to ensure that in months where cash flow is a little tighter (i.e. in January and February) we can still distribute payments to those officials who require the funds. Holdbacks will be paid at the next pay night.

September 10 Tip off meeting

In the event where an official has inadvertently or otherwise been paid more than he/she has earned the CBOA may choose carry the amount as a receivable and deduct it from the official’s next cheque. In order to request an advance, please send an e-mail request to [email protected]. Advance cheques will be mailed to the address on Arbiter on the third Sunday of each month.

September 11 12 Superweekend, Red Deer

Of course, exceptional circumstances may require ad hoc advances to some officials and we will always endeavour to meet these in the promptest of

November 3, 5, 10, 12 st nd Rookie, 1 & 2 Year Clinic November 21 CBOA Clinic & Exam

The second issue that I would like to address is that the CBOA is looking for an Assistant Treasurer for the upcoming season. While accounting knowledge is preferred, it is not necessary as I will be assisting in your tutelage. Duties may include creating invoices, collecting outstanding accounts, and payroll and remuneration will depend on the amount of work done with the maximum amount earned being 1% of the CBOA’s billing for the period worked. This is a great learning opportunity for a referee who is also working toward an accounting designation or someone looking for good part time income. Additionally, the candidate should be willing to consider and able to assume the Treasurer’s role by May 2010. If we are not able to find an internal candidate, we will have to consider outsourcing the accounting role which would increase the cost to the CBOA significantly. If you have any questions regarding the above please feel free to call me at (403) 618-2810.

Next Meeting: Tip Off, September 10, 2009 St. Mary’s HS 7:00pm

2

Volume I Issue 6

Serving the Basketball Community since 1952

June 2009

2nd Quarter WHAT DID YOU SAY? Tom Lopes Originally published FIBA Assist Magazine Issue 31 March/April 2008 Pages 32 - 33

Tom Lopes is the Executive Director for the Collegiate Basketball Officials Association. He is a Division I collegiate basketball official and officiated 20 consecutive NCAA tournaments including three Final Foul appearances. In 1995, he was selected as the Naismith Official of the Year. In addition, he is a clinician for the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials, Inc. (IAABO).

Depending on the dictionary you choose to use, “communication” can be defined in any number of ways: a technique for expressing ideas effectively; an interchange of thoughts or opinions; an idea imparted, interchanged or transmitted. Translated as it applies to basketball officials, however, it takes on a meaning that is much more practical application, one that involves having good listening skills and treating people with respect, the same as you would want to be treated yourself. In the simplest of terms, it means little more than knowing how to handle people. The game of basketball has many stakeholders: players, coaches, officials (not only the floor officials but also those who sit at the scorer’s table) and fans. All of these stakeholders have something in common: they are all human, people with strengths and weaknesses and varying moods that sometimes react in some unpredictable manner when under stress. It is the better officials stand out from their less effective counterparts. A basic fact in the human condition is that the most common set of the reasons for why someone loses emotional control, whether in sport or otherwise, is twofold: first, that person is of the opinion that he or she has been somehow treated unjustly; second, he or she wants to express an objection, in words or actions, to that perceived wrong. Essentially, the person is saying “what you did was unfair and I want you to know how I feel about it.” This reality applies as much to basketball officiating as it does to any perception of having been wronged. When such a situation arises and an official’s decision is challenged, the easiest way out might be for the official to penalize the challenge immediately by assessing a technical foul, a technical foul that could very well have been avoided by using effective communication skills and recognizing that what could be taken as a blatant and very personal insult was really no more than an objection, misguided or otherwise, to a perceived injustice. This is where communication enters the picture. In officiating, a brief moment’s well-placed and effective interaction often makes the difference. Such skill distinguishes the mediocre, “every day” variety referee, and the one who is usually assigned to less challenging contests, from his or her fellow official who by contrast seems to draw all the important games. Arguably, they both could be at the same level of knowledge when it comes to rules and floor mechanics, but the official who is in demand is the one who demonstrates an ability to interact effectively with players, coaches and even with his or her partners on the officiating team. It has been said that experience is the best teacher and this certainly applies to officiating. As young and inexperienced referees we all made the common mistake of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. There are few of us who can’t remember that occasion in our early years when we said to a coach, “you coach and I’ll referee.” In most cases, such a comment only opened the door for a response from the coach, like “when are you going to start?” The rule of thumb that says “for every action there is a reaction” is as true to human relations as it is to physics!

Continued on page 7…

Next Meeting: Tip Off, September 10, 2009 St. Mary’s HS 7:00pm

3

Volume I Issue 6

Serving the Basketball Community since 1952

June 2009

Half Time Education

Evaluation

Mike Bittante

Ian Pollard

The spring and summer season is upon us and the grind of the "Real Basketball Season" is behind us. That is true in some ways but not in most so here are some reminders as you work in the hot, sweaty gyms across the city over the next few months....

Want to become a better official? Are you ready to make the jump from Junior High School ball to High School ball? Interested in working High School Provincials? Want to be considered for ACAC? Do you have aspirations beyond that?

We are still using FIBA rules and FIBA mechanics. Use the rule changes supplied by the tournament committees (i.e. many tourneys use a 9minutes/quarter format and modified # of timeouts) Proper uniform at this time of year is your zebra shirt and black shorts....wear whatever athletic shoes are comfortable The game is to be called the same as it would be in the "real basketball season" - the players expect it Bench decorum rules and player conduct rules are the same as the "real basketball season"...we don't get lax in the lazy days of spring and summer

In order for any official to get better at the “job” of officiating; that person needs to be open to an honest critique of their skills and abilities. That is where the role of the “evaluator” mandated by the CBOA comes in.

• •

•

•

•

Also take the opportunity to go to a camp if you can find the time...or at least ask our commissioners to hook you up with an official you rarely get to work with in the "real season". It will be a learning experience for both of you. Have a wonderful, restful, enjoyable summer everyone because in about 5 months the "Real Basketball Season" will be back!

Our goal is that each and every CBOA member has an opportunity to receive feedback from a member of the evaluation team. We have an excellent opportunity this spring and summer to provide feedback to anyone interested. If you would like an evaluation in the spring and/or summer please contact me with your schedule and we will get out to take a look at you. Lastly, any official who meets the ABOA criteria that would like to be considered to work ACAC basketball in the 2009/2010 season should get in touch with the CBOA executive so that your name can be forwarded to the ABOA. Have a great summer!

Next Meeting: Tip Off, September 10, 2009 St. Mary’s HS 7:00pm

4

Volume I Issue 6

June 2009

Serving the Basketball Community since 1952

3rd Quarter RIGHT OR WRONG? The following questions focus on the document, “FIBA Official Basketball Rules: Official Interpretations”. A free download is provided on the FIBA website (www.fiba.com). For additional clarifications, explanations or examples, please consult this document. 1. A3 is crossing the centre line while dribbling the ball from the backcourt to the frontcourt. Shall the ball be considered to have moved to the frontcourt at the moment when A3 touches the frontcourt? 2. The ball has already touched the ring and is bouncing above it when a player reaches through the basket from below and touches the ball. Has interference occurred? 3. While holding the ball and being closely guarded, A3 excessively swings elbows but does not make contact with an opponent. Can a technical foul be called on A3? 4. A2 gains control of the ball while moving quickly. A2 loses balance and falls to the floor, after which momentum causes A2 to slide a short distance before coming to a stop. Has A2 committed a traveling violation? 5. A3 gains control of a rebound and attempts a long pass. B3, in the team B frontcourt near the centre line, jumps to intercept the pass, gains control of the ball and returns to the floor touching the team B backcourt. Has B3 illegally returned the ball to the backcourt? 6. While dribbling from the team A backcourt, A4 is closely guarded by B2 and B3 for six seconds, after which A4 comes to a stop straddling the centre line and ends the dribble. Is the ball now in team A’s frontcourt? 7. A2 has a clear fast break with no opponent between A2 and the opponents’ basket when B3 causes contact from behind in an attempt to end A2’s fast break opportunity. Shall an unsportsmanlike foul be called against B3? 8. Shall players be permitted to wear T-shirts under playing shirts? 9. A5 dribbles from the team A backcourt and comes to a stop straddling the centre line while still dribbling. A5 then ends the dribble and immediately passes the ball to A2 who is in the team B backcourt. Has A5 illegally returned to the backcourt? 10. On the jump ball that begins the 1st period, the ball has been legally tapped by A3. His team mate A5 jumps from the team A frontcourt, gains control of the ball in the air and then lands in the team A backcourt. Has A5 illegally returned the ball to the backcourt? Answers on page 8…

Next Meeting: Tip Off, September 10, 2009 St. Mary’s HS 7:00pm

5

Volume I Issue 6

Serving the Basketball Community since 1952

June 2009

4th Quarter Newsletter Thank you all again for making the CBOA Newsletter a success this past season. This has been a valuable communication tool. The CBOA executive is calling for a volunteer to take over the publishing of the newsletter. If you are interested please contact Grant Hoe or Ian Pollard. We would really like to hear from you on the content you would like to see in this newsletter. We strive to make this document as fresh, relevant and interesting as possible and your feedback is vital to keeping those goals. Again, thanks for reading. See you on the court!

Recruiting

Camps

Plans are underway for the 2009 fall recruitment drive. The CBOA was successful at recruiting and retaining a number of new officials this past year. If you have any ideas on how to promote our organization to new officials, or you would like to help with recruiting in the fall, please contact Donald MacDonald via email at [email protected].

Here are some of the summertime camps available if you are interested in attending…

Specific opportunities to help out will be advertised in upcoming newsletters.

Registration & information available at http://www.stripezone.com.

June 26 - 28 (Full) Canada West Camp University of Alberta Edmonton, AB Registration & information available at http://web.me.com/david.a.hill/CanadaWest/Welcome.html.

July 3 - 5 Prairie Dog University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, SK Registration & information available at http://www.stripezone.com.

July 9 – 12 West Coast Official’s Camp University of Washington Seattle, WA

Next Meeting: Tip Off, September 10, 2009 St. Mary’s HS 7:00pm

6

Volume I Issue 6

Serving the Basketball Community since 1952

June 2009

Overtime WHAT DID YOU SAY? Continued from page 3…

Other examples of verbal inexperience are such challenging comments as “sit down”, “stop refereeing”, “get back into the team bench area” and, the worst of all, “shut up.” All of these declarations immediately put up a barrier to further communication; you and the object of your comment are now in an adversarial role and potentially in line for a long and difficult game. Body language is another form of communication: Staring at someone, putting hands on hips, pointing a finger: all of these present a direct challenge and will normally generate a negative response from the coach or player. In the early years of learning their craft, officials will experience all of the above and hopefully will make adjustments as they review what happened in individual games. Such reviews are quite natural; how often, as we were driving home, have we found ourselves second-guessing how we handled a disenchanted player or an angry coach, or how we might have answered a challenge differently so as to diffuse rather than escalate the problem. Even the most inexperienced official knows he or she has the authority to levy a technical foul if the defiance merits it. The spirit and intent of the technical foul rule, however, is that such a penalty should be used only as a last resort, with the ultimate purpose of restoring the order that is necessary if there is to be fair play. The problem for less experienced officials, therefore, is recognizing the difference between a behavior that requires a technical foul and a behavior that can be more smoothly diffused with a serving of patience seasoned with effective communication and a touch of compassion. How do the good officials handle situations? The best way to find the answer to this question is simply to ask them. In your area there are probably some very good and successful officials. Talk to them; observe them in action; ask them what it was that he or she said to that frustrated coach or player in the final two minutes of the game that put the coach at ease and prevented a disruption from escalating. Officials have to anticipate criticism from coaches and players during the game and must not take such comments personally. There are many techniques at our disposal when such situations develop. Try immediately moving quickly to your assigned position on the court after reporting a foul; if the coach has a question, he or she will get your attention without your having to wait around. When it does become prudent to reply to such a challenge, always remember to be a responder rather than an initiator. Don’t bother to answer statements (they don’t usually require an answer anyway) but if the coach does have a question you should let him or her ask it before you start talking. Always be under control; speak in calm, easy tones, be aware of body language and try to maintain an alert, positive and confident posture. When talking to a coach, make it so no one else can hear what you are saying. When you are questioned on a call, try to keep your answer simple and to the point. Some possibilities are “I missed the call”, or “From my angle I’m sure I was correct”, or “I think I was correct and you think you’re correct, but we’ll both have to see the tape to know for sure.” Don’t try to bluff; it just doesn’t work. Remember also that if a question has been asked or a clarification requested, don’t ignore the coach or player. Many times a short, honest answer or explanation will do wonders for your credibility. And when all else fails and the coach or player is clearly out of control, it’s time to stop talking and blow the whistle.

Next Meeting: Tip Off, September 10, 2009 St. Mary’s HS 7:00pm

7

Volume I Issue 6

Serving the Basketball Community since 1952

June 2009

Post Game ANSWERS

Commissioner’s Report Dick Vanderstam

1. No (Art. 28.1.3, 3rd bullet) 2. Yes (Art. 31.2.4, 2nd bullet) 3. Yes (Art. 38.3.1)

The spring leagues are going well and most people are working once a week.

4. No (Art. 25.2.3) 5. No. (Art. 30.1.2) 6. Yes (Art. 28.1.3, 2nd bullet) 7. Yes (Art. 36.1.4) 8. No (Art. 4.3.1) 9. Yes (Art. 28) (When A5 ends the dribble while straddling the centre line, Art. 28.1.3, 3rd bullet, no longer applies. Art. 28.1.3, 2nd bullet dictates that the ball is now in the team A frontcourt. Therefore when A5 passes the ball to A2, the violation occurs.) 10. No (Art. 30.1.2)

On June 12/13 we are going to be involved in a huge tournament with about nine sites. On Friday I will need 18 officials that are available at 4:00pm. On Saturday I would like about 45 officials to be available to work. The end of June brings the spring leagues to the end of their season. If you are still interested in working games there is a summer league that is operated by the U of C that plays 4 nights a week. There will also be two tournaments in July around stampede time.

Next Meeting: Tip Off, September 10, 2009 St. Mary’s HS 7:00pm

8