FIBA referees clinic a success

Anuradha Abeysekara

“Sri Lanka Basketball Federation (SLBF) has done an excellent job to make FIBA Asia International Referees’ Clinic a great success,” said the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Director Lubomir Kotlebar who conducted the two-day clinic at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on February 12 and13.

Altogether 42 Sri Lankan and three Indian referees participated in the clinic which conducted in three categories, 15 candidates, four referees and 23 observers.

“It is after 20 years Sri Lanka is holding a such a program. We have only one international referee for the time being and it is a great opportunity for us to accommodate 15 candidate level entries in the clinic,” said SLBF Secretary Wing Commander Chandana Liyanage.

The Sports Ministry and Astron (Pvt) Ltd sponsored the clinic. The book of FIBA Referees Rules has supplied with the printing sponsorship of Mercantile Services Basketball Association and will be distributed among the district federations very soon.

Lubomir is a highly acclaimed sporting figure with more than 50 years of experience in the international sports scene. He has officiated in five World Championships and two Olympic finals and earned reputation as a player, coach, team manager, referee and a commissioner.

Speaking with the Daily News Lubomir stated that quality officiating is a must for any game’s development and Sri Lanka will be immensely benefited by this program in the future.

“It is very positive that Sri Lanka is participating almost every FIBA Asian program despite the fact that they are not the strong hold of Asian Basketball. The support of the Sri Lankan Government for these international activities will help to develop the sport for them to compete against the Asian giants in the future.” said Lubomir.

Answering a question on how he feels the difference that has took place here in Sri Lanka since his last visit in 1991 Lubomir said “to be honest, I do not remember much about my previous visit, but the way the clinic has prepared this time was top class.

Last time the technical equipments were the worst that I have ever seen in my life and we had a very small class room, but this time the technical development was stunning and on par with all aspects of an international program,” Lubomir explained.

“I’ll be very pleased to give my assistance to Sri Lanka, but I’ll be more delighted to see couple of referees who participated in this clinic blow in elite international, games in the future,” he concluded.