TAHITI -- FIBA Active Referee Nico Fernandes raved about the referee workshop he spearheaded in Tahiti that saw record numbers in terms of attendance held last May 14-17.

Fernandes who also held a referee workshop last year, ecstatically shared how the program attracted a record number of participants that was sponsored by FIBA Oceania and Tahiti Basketball Federation.

"The trip was full of surprises, last year we saw a maximum attendance of 12 people, however this year 33 referees took part in the training. This is a record number of attendees coming together for one training clinic," said Fernandes.

"More surprisingly, was the range of ages of the referees that attended, from under 12 to over 50. This is a very encouraging sign for the future of officiating in Tahiti," he added.

The increased interest in the workshop will hopefully produce world class referees  from the French Polynesia island and increase the country's interest in the game of basketball.

Fernandes, a French native, was also impressed in the dedication and commitment of the Tahitians to the craft of officiating the game of basketball.

"The referees in Tahiti are very motivated and they strive to always to do the best job they can. We are working closely on developing a more formalised training program for the referees. Without doubt they give 100 percent to every game," shared Fernandes.

"The main focus was to show an interest in getting involved in officiating basketball.  If you know the rules and the reasons of why they have been implemented, it will be an asset when you are either playing, officiating and/or coaching," he added.

Basketball New South Wales showed their support to the program by donating referee and polo shirts to the Tahitian National Federation that shows the support and camarraderie of basketball beyond the game.

In Photo: Nico Fernandes (FIBA Active Referee) Maria Norstorm (CEO of Basketball New South Wales) Mr. Albert Joseph (FIBA Oceania Referee Manager)

FIBA Oceania Executive Director, David Crocker hoped that this can lead a revolution of world-class referees and help Tahiti in their basketball development.

"We are delighted with the workshop, to have record number of participants is more than we can dream of. Our office is open to support Tahiti in any way we can," said the amiable Crocker.

"Tahiti and basketball is a good match, the sport can help bring the communities together, that is the goal and hopefully the quality of officiating will help accelerate basketball development," he added.

Fernandes shared that there are contingencies for sustained development for the participants' continuous development.

"With the Tahitian Federation and FIBA we are in process of finalising an action plan that is aimed to all levels of referee education and training. I will will be working closely with the Federations Referee Manager to ensure the implementation of the plan" he ended.