MIES (Switzerland) - The FIBA Games Officials Licensing program for 2019-2021 was launched on Thursday.

The program facilitates the candidate registration procedure of Games Officials (Referees and Commissioners). National Federations and Regional Offices have until March 31 to complete the process or registering candidates for the two-year period. Subsequently, the full list of FIBA licensed Games Officials will be announced no later than June 15.

The program, initially launched in 2017, sets out to:

• ensure the highest quality of refereeing in basketball;
• meet the requirements of modern basketball officiating;
• maximize the opportunities presented by FIBA's National Team Competition System.

Under this framework, the licensing of game officials promotes excellence, professionalism as well as national and international development in refereeing.

Another objective is to generate opportunities for more National Member Federations to have FIBA Referees. This is achieved by:

• Encouraging long-term planning and Referee development programs in all FIBA Regions and National Federations;
• Enhancing the involvement and training of female referees;
• Engaging more National Federations in the planning, management and training of officials;
• Promoting young potential referees.

Once licensed, Game Officials are eligible to work international games for two seasons. Thereafter, the licensing process is repeated for the following two-year period (2021-23, 2023-2025 and so on).

Click here for full information about the FIBA Games Officials Licensing.

FIBA