MUSCAT: The basketball referees training camp concluded successfully yesterday at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, organised by the Referees Committee of the Oman Basketball Association in coordination with FIBA Asia, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the technical and officiating standards of local referees.
The three-day camp brought together 40 male and female referees and was supervised by Kuwaiti Asian lecturer Mohammed al Omairi, who delivered a comprehensive programme combining both theoretical sessions and practical applications aimed at refining officiating skills and updating participants on the latest developments in the game’s rules.
In his closing remarks, Ahmed bin Hamad al Khusaibi, Chairman of the Referees Committee, expressed satisfaction with the camp’s success, describing it as part of the committee’s strategic plan to strengthen referees’ knowledge and capabilities. He emphasised that such specialised programmes provide an ideal platform for exchanging expertise, applying rule updates, and improving overall officiating performance, which he described as a fundamental pillar in the development of basketball in Oman. He also praised the Board’s support and wished the participants continued progress in their refereeing careers.
The camp’s sessions and workshops covered a wide range of topics, including the latest amendments to the Laws of the Game, the activation of the Instant Replay System (IRS), officiating mechanics, decision-making procedures, and administrative skills such as time management, handling match pressure, and mental and physical preparedness. Practical components focused on court positioning, Individual Officiating Techniques (IOT), foul standards, misconduct situations, and other modern officiating updates, ensuring referees are fully prepared to manage matches at both local and regional levels.
Referee Mahdi al Alawi described the camp as highly beneficial, noting that the information and practical drills enhanced participants’ understanding of the rules and their on-court application. He added that the outcomes would positively impact officiating quality and match management, extending his appreciation to the Association and organisers.
Meanwhile, referee Aisha al Balushi said the camp provided a valuable learning experience, particularly for new referees. She highlighted how the practical exercises helped her better grasp technical aspects of officiating and praised the supportive learning environment and the lecturer’s clear and effective teaching style. She affirmed that the experience added significantly to her development at the start of her refereeing journey.
The camp reflects the Association’s continued commitment to building a qualified refereeing base capable of keeping pace with modern developments in the sport, ultimately enhancing the quality and professionalism of basketball competitions across Oman.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
