NBF hosts first ever FIBA-Recognised Referees clinic

NDN Staffer

WINDHOEK, MARCH 25 – The Namibian Basketball Federation (NBF) recently held a level-1 Referees Clinic on Saturday, 23 March 2019, which was the first of its kind in Windhoek at the Basketball Artists School (BAS) Premises.

Starting off with the Namibia Basketball School League (NBSL) officials, this clinic is the first of a 3-level course program, through which participants who wish to venture into professional officiating, can be internationally recognized. The clinic which is part of an initiative of collaborative work between the NBF and The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) was a kickoff of more programs to come.

The Federation hopes to uplift the quality of officials for all basketball leagues in the country, senior and school league alike. Focusing mainly on the NBSL, this clinic catered for 18 participants under the watchful eye of professional Instructor, Mr. Jackson Haufiku. The one-day clinic touched on the basic rules of the game of basketball and what the sport is. An incorporation of theory as well as practical exercises were carried out to determine the
legibility of the prospective officials.

Petrina Aron, Mantius Amukoshi and Tamara !Gaoses all served as Assistant-Instructors to Mr. Haufiku. This is also an initiative set for the growth of youth and female leadership within the Federation and the sport code in general. This is for the sake of longevity in quality officiating and representation for the female gender.

The Federation works on providing the know-how and necessary skills and once properly acquired, FIBA offers the international platform for these skills to be put to the test. Tamara !Gaoses is so far the first female internationally recognized, 3×3 referee and the Federation hopes to create more success stories such as hers.

This qualification has allowed !Gaoses to officiate at the U18 3X3 IBF Young Lions Cup, which was held in Botswana in January early this year. Male Representative, Pondo Nailenge also had the same privilege and he now works towards implementing his skills in the northern region of Namibia.
NBF Secretary General Ramah Mumba said: “With more officials trained, more games can be played to help boost the international ranking of Namibia on the FIBA3X3 World Ranking website. The more games played, the better the country’s ranking becomes, and the higher the chances are for Namibia to be part of the Olympic Games in the very near future.”

3×3 basketball is an officially recognized Olympic sport code, and The Federation has seen a great opportunity not only players to qualify, but also one day for officials from the country to reach this level of officiating. Staying up to standard with the new basketball rules put in place by FIBA, Namibia is well on its way to the Olympics without a doubt. – NDN Staffer