YAP (Federated States of Micronesia) - Yap took it a notch higher in the development of its basketball program with a productive seminar and workshop for the people on the sidelines.

Yap basketball officials successfully staged a string of activities for coaches and game officials intending to advance its entire hoops program -- coaching and officiating wise.

Facilitated by officials Larry Uwelur, Carl Kinyoor, and Victor Bamog, Yap basketball gathered 11 coaching participants and 8 referees in the two-day workshop held at the Yap Sports Complex.

The event was in partnership with the FIBA, providing materials and tools for Yap including a handbook for a mixture of seasoned and aspiring coaches.

"Having some new drills to work on at practices will be beneficial for our coaches especially the sections on how to plan and run a practice. It will help our teams utilize what little practice time is available at our one, public, indoor practice facility," said Ryan Talken, of Yap Basketball.

"Moreover, it includes drills that simulate game-like situations that will better prepare our athletes."

Referees were not left behind either with a separate handbook in proper officiating including a discussion with officials that led to the settlement of problems had encountered in its recent league.

Now, they're ready for the scratch-free staging of the next tournaments.

"We were able to get everyone on the same page on a few issues that had arisen during the last league we ran. Overall, I think that the group is prepared to help us run a good league," Talken added.

Some coaches and referees have not made it to the workshops in Yap due to equally important causes like activities related to the World Mental Health Awareness Day, prompting Yap to pencil a larger event for more participants soon with the growing support of local communities.

For now, Yap is focusing its time on the junior league featuring teens aged 14-18 as part of its simultaneous programs for youth players.

FIBA