Papeete, Tahiti - FIBA Referee Nico Fernandes will visit Tahiti on May 14-17 to assess the current talent and find potential FIBA referees in the future in the growing National Federation.

 "Our plan is to identify their program and listen to the issues they are facing. We will then suggest ideas to be implemented and define an action plan," said the six-year FIBA referee veteran.

 "We will also give them a short, medium and long term goals in order to fulfill their needs," he added.

Fernandes is keen on observing and understanding more the state of Tahiti basketball, which is looking bright after their U17 squad took home the Gold medal in Division B of the FIBA U17 Championship last year in a sensational victory over New Caledonia.

 "We want to clarify their current state because we have heard a lot of great things and apparently they are on the right track," said Fernandes.

 The French native, who now lives and works in Australia, knows the characteristics he is looking for in his visit to Tahiti to identify potential individuals ready to take the next step in their refereeing career.

"First we need to know how many referees are available and their skill level in following: individual techniques, mechanics, decision making, rules knowledge and fitness," Fernandes said.

 "Once the database and assessment according to this  standards is performed we will define who are the "on paper" good referees. On top of the previously mentioned topics, [we look for] if the official is willing to learn and to work hard, accept comment and coaching… These are the basics and fundamentals of a “great ref”. he added.

Fernandes has been working as a FIBA referee for more than six years and regularly attends Oceania, Asia and world events and he believes that Tahiti can provide world class referees.

 "I believe everything is possible for motivated and driven person," Fernandes shared. "I know playing is fun and good... but I believe refereeing is taking a step further and higher not only in our lovely sport but more than everything in your life'" he added.