MINSK (Belarus) - The Belarusian Basketball Federation (BBF) has staged a camp for in Minsk for young women hoping to become referees.

Aspirants from Russia, Georgia, Serbia,  Latvia, Poland, Moldova and Belarus participated in the three-day event. Referees from those same countries were also on hand to take part. The lecturer was FIBA Instructor Kati Nynas, who is also Head of Refereeing of the Finland Basketball Association.

FIBA Instructor Kati Nynas delivers lecture to participants aiming to become referees

After hearing several lectures on theory, the camp participants seized an opportunity to put the theoretical knowledge into practice. They officiated games in the Women's International Basketball Tournament, in Minsk, held in the memory of the former national team coach of Belarus, Semen Khalipski.

Participants put theory into practice at the Women's International Basketball Tournament in Minsk

"Year to year, the number of women among basketball officials is increasing rapidly," said Nastassia Marynina, the Secretary General of the Belarus Basketball Federation, who also serves as President of the FIBA Europe Women's Commission. "And of course, this is a good opportunity for players of various levels to continue their career in sports."

One of the camp's participants, Katrina Antonova from Latvia said: "It was an excellent camp, which has been very useful for us. The Belarusian Basketball Federation created excellent conditions to live, learn and explore the city. FIBA Instrictur Kati Nynas is an  experienced specialist and it was an invaluable experience to learn from her. I am sure that each participant earned unique knowledge and it definitely facilitated our professional development."

A special photo shoot was also organized for the participants of the camp

The referee camp also supports the Her World, Her Rules campaign, which promotes  women's and girls' basketball across Europe through various activities delivered in partnership with the National Federations.

FIBA