MANGILAO (Guam) – Local and international referees have their whistles in hand at the FIBA Micronesian Cup 2022 under the guidance of FIBA Referee Supervisor, John Rearden.

FIBA events in Oceania provide referees with valuable access to resources and hands-on experience officiating regional tournaments.  Prior to the FIBA Micronesian Cup 2022, event referees went through an intensive workshop to access the skill level and to identify areas for growth.

“FIBA Micronesian Cup is unique; it is the first time I meet many of the officials from across the region,” Rearden said.  “The pre competition workshop allowed me to check in on individual current officiating techniques, their understanding of the mechanics as well as what level of competition they currently apply their trade (refereeing) to back home.”

National Federations across the Oceania region nominate referees in their country to participate in local FIBA tournaments.  Following appointment, at tournaments, referees are selected for games based on their individual capacity and the progress they have made during the tournament.  During games, referees are required to be neutral during play while ensuring the safety of all players and officials.

Tayla Flint is refereeing at the FIBA Micronesian Cup 2022 and has travelled from Australia as a FIBA appointed neutral referee and has found the opportunity to be involved in her first international event rewarding.

“It has been a great opportunity to travel to Guam and officiate at the FIBA Micronesian Cup 2022, my first FIBA event.” Flint said.  “For me, I enjoy challenging myself on a variety of courts and being able to officiate with others from Micronesia, trying to develop my own game, whilst also sharing my own experiences with others, has been really rewarding.”

The FIBA Micronesian Cup 2022 will provide valuable education for individuals, to take back to their respective countries and assist with developing referees.  This process provides National Federations with access to development opportunities outside of tournaments, without having to source qualified international officials.

“I am really looking forward to seeing all the officials in action, who have been selected to officiate at this tournament,” John Rearden said.  “The interaction with each other and the ability to organically grow with peers will be something special to watch and be a part of.”