CONAKRY (Guinea) – The second phase of the refereeing development programme began on 16 April in Conakry, representing another organised step in the ongoing effort to improve basketball officiating in Guinea.
The programme placed a clear emphasis on improving standards and aligning with international best practices.
Over the course of four intensive days, 15 referees (including eight women) participated in the Level 1 clinic, which took place at the Palais des Sports of the Stade du 28 Septembre.
The selected group worked through a targeted curriculum combining theoretical reinforcement with interactive discussions and practical exercises.
The programme was led by Algerian FIBA instructor Kamal Hamoutene and was delivered in accordance with FIBA's standardised teaching modules.
These modules are used globally to ensure consistency in officiating education, particularly with regard to rule interpretation, mechanics and game management.
The clinic aimed to reinforce knowledge of the rules and ensure that referees learnt to apply them uniformly in competitive environments, where interpretation can influence the flow of the game and its outcomes.
Throughout the sessions, particular attention was given to core refereeing competencies such as reading game situations, managing physical contact, positioning and anticipation. These elements are considered essential for improving the speed and accuracy of decisions made on the court.
The structured methodology also aims to reduce discrepancies in officiating standards and build shared benchmarks among referees operating in national competitions.
The initiative is supported by the National Olympic and Sports Committee of Guinea and the administration of the federation, reflecting a broader institutional commitment to long-term development.
As well as technical upgrading, the programme emphasises inclusion, and the strong representation of women is seen as part of a wider effort to diversify and modernise the pool of referees.
Addressing the participants, Kamal Hamoutene emphasised the discipline required to progress at this level. “We worked hard, we put everything in place, and I shared my knowledge with you. Success doesn’t come easily. It requires sacrifice and, above all, continuous work,” he explained, stressing that improvement in officiating is a gradual process rather than an immediate outcome.
He also emphasised the importance of gaining practical experience alongside theoretical learning. “If you are still playing and want to improve, volunteer to referee practice games. That’s where you will make progress,’ he added, pointing to in-game experience as a key development tool for aspiring referees.
With this second phase, Guinea continues to lay the foundations for a more structured officiating system aimed at raising consistency, strengthening domestic competitions and preparing referees to meet higher competitive demands in future.
Alongside similar referee development initiatives taking place across the continent, structured training programmes continue to emerge in North Africa, reflecting a shared push to raise officiating standards in line with international benchmarks.
In this context, Dr Sami Abeqel, International Observer and Chairman of the Technical Committee for Referees in the NBA first region, has been leading a series of specialised training courses in Libya.
The programme focuses on developing young referees while also working towards a more unified interpretation of the game across the region, particularly in high-pressure situations such as national finals.
Officials selected for decisive fixtures, including the Libyan championship playoffs and the national cup, have been given special attention. These sessions aim to bridge the gap in officiating standards and reinforce a shared technical framework that aligns with international refereeing expectations.
"Our ambition is to establish and sustain a refereeing culture that adheres to the highest NBA standards," explained Dr Abeqel, highlighting the project's long-term nature and focus on continuity rather than short-term impact.
The initiative has also received recognition from the Royal Moroccan Basketball Federation, which has commended its contribution to the development of officiating across the region, as well as its part in raising the profile and competitiveness of North African basketball on the continental and international stage.
FIBA