FRA - FIBA Commissioner: "We must capitalise on high awareness of basketball"

TOULOUSE (2010 FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) - It takes the right kind of people to make a World Championship event successful.

Of course, teams, players and coaches play their part in that, but there are no games without referees and officials whose careful selection is the responsibility of a FIBA commissioner.

FIBA.com caught up with Alison Muir, FIBA Commissioner in Toulouse for the FIBA U17 World Championship for Women, to find out about her role at the event as well as her involvement with England Basketball.

FIBA: How long have you been with FIBA and what are your main responsibilities?
Muir: I have been a FIBA Commissioner for 10 years and I am responsible for the training and approval of referees and officials for international championships.

FIBA: You are also involved with English basketball. How does that link with your FIBA activities?
Muir: I am chairwoman of the England Basketball Association which helps with the flow of information between FIBA and England Basketball. FIBA Commissioners have similar links with all the basketball nations. I am proud to say that England Basketball is aiming to bid to host the European Championships in the near future, maybe in 2015.

FIBA: What do you think of the FIBA U17 World Championship for Women so far?
Muir: I am in Toulouse for the entire duration of the tournament so I can only speak for what I have seen here, but I think it is all very encouraging. The crowds so far have been bigger than at some other championships - and that's been without the host nation France (who were playing the Preliminary Round in Rodez). The arena should be pretty full for the final phase of the competition.

FIBA: What benefits will come from this tournament?
Muir: Experience and public awareness of our sport. After these kinds of events, the public always has a higher awareness of basketball and we have to capitalise on that. As far as the players, officials and referees are concerned, it's all about gaining valuable experience.

FIBA: Do you have any links with the Olympics and particularly with London 2012?
Muir: FIBA will ensure there are trained referees and officials, and of course we will provide support with our experience of international basketball events.

FIBA/LOC