SUVA (Fiji) - Local and international officials and referees have shown great improvements leading up to the FIBA Melanesian Cup finals at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.

Tayla Flint who has over 17 years’ experience of refereeing, is part of the FIBA Melanesia Cup officials’ team who flew in from Melbourne, Australia to help boost and mentor five local referees.

“As officials, we ensure the game is played within the spirit of the rules and to be good referees, you need to display strong communication skills and be able to admit that you made a mistake and learn from it,” Flint said.

Former Fiji National Basketball representative, Sera Vugakoto, is officiating her first international tournament at the FIBA Melanesia Cup 2022.  Vugakoto is a member of a committee that coordinates Nadi Basketball Association, she has identified that there was a shortage of basketball officials, which is the main reason she’s venturing into this space.

“This is my first international tournament and it had to be on home soil, and it was great experience,” Vugakoto said.  “The game is very fast, so you have to be precise and on point in what you call the game and getting the stats correct is important because it helps the coaches make decisions between quarters.”

Vugakoto is grateful for the FIBA team officials who have been very helpful with technical training and resources.

FIBA - Loata Waqanivavalagi