On the 11 January BSA hosted their first BSA Basketball Referee Clinic at the International School of Brussels. The session was led by Raven Teeples, BSA Basketball Assistant-Director and former Division 1 American College Basketball Player. In attendance where two referees new to the BSA program along with three new students participating in the inaugural BSA Jr. Referee Program.

The first half of the training took place in the classroom where the basic basketball referee hand signals where discussed followed by the detailed BSA basketball rules. The second half of the clinic took place in the gym where the new referees had the opportunity to referee one of our U13 boys practice scrimmages. It was great for the referees to then get the opportunity for some practical experience in the gym. The referees-in- training quickly realized that game situations are very different from the classroom setting! As the teams are sprinting back and forth up and down the court you have to react quickly to what is going on! The referees also benefitted from some wise words of wisdom by some experienced BSAU13 coaches following their performance:

"Make sure you are constantly encouraging the kids to get out of the front court and on to defense quickly to allow the team to bring the ball up the court” explained Victor Teixeira, U13 boys Head coach. Assistant coach, Chris Yeager went on: “Just be confident out there and make decisive calls!"

BSA is very excited to about this inaugural Jr. Referee Program. Not only do the students benefit from this referee clinic but hey will also have the opportunity to referee some games this season alongside an experienced referee!

Raven Teeples went on to explain:

"The junior referees at the clinic were enthusiastic about, and looking forward to the experience they will gain from, the BSA junior referee program. Their prior basketball knowledge makes each of them great candidates for the BSA junior referee program, which will provide them with new opportunities in a familiar sport."

If you are interested in participating in the BSA Jr. Referee Training, please send an e-mail to office@bsasports.org