Wednesday, August 5, 2015

DSTV B’Ball League: NBBF Hammers Three Referees





In a bid to give the game of basketball a sound footing in Nigeria, the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, has suspended three referees for alleged incompetence and improper and unprofessional conduct during the Savannah Conference 6 challenge held in Kano from July 21-26, 2015.

The suspension will be in place pending investigation of the matter which occurred during a crucial game that was reportedly mishandled by the trio. The suspended referees are Mohammed Keybir, Isa Aliyu and Abdullahi Galoji.

Meanwhile, the NBBF has continued with programmes to ensure that referees are well equipped to handle matches in the various leagues in the country as well as replace some of those who have retired.

Towards this end, a Special Female Basketball Referees Clinic was held during the recently concluded Zenith League finals in Lagos from 24-26 July, 2015.

According to the referee instructor, Popoola Babatunde, 12 referees participated in the clinic were taken through fitness, written and practical tests but only five were successful.

“The participants were able to learn more about basketball officiating within the three days the clinic lasted. They were taken through the rules of the game, mechanics of officiating, game management and psychology of officiating of basketball,” he said.

To be certified fit to officiate league matches, the instructor said, the participants were expected to score 100% in fitness test as well as 60% each in the written and practical tests.

“The five successful participants should be allowed to officiate matches in Nigeria. As referees on Grade 3, they should be protected, encouraged and nurtured to maturity by involving them immediately in officiating in some of the remaining competitions for the year”. “This will expose and get them ready for the job ahead,” Popoola stressed.

The successful participants, he disclosed, include Amoo Abosede, Abdsalam Nimat, Abidogun Olawunmi, Aina Margaret and Yahaya Rukayat. 

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