Letter before World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers

Dear Referees.

I hope and trust that you are ready for Window 5, that you are positive, motivated mentally, and in great shape, that you are ready for the challenge of the European Qualifying Round for the World Cup 2023. For sure, I don't need to point out the importance of each game, quarter, minute, second, or play situation.

After a great and exciting EuroBasket 2022, you have another great opportunity to officiate the best European National teams and these games should be a great pleasure for you, but with this, comes a high level of responsibility.

From my side, I have high expectations for all of you. All of you have witnessed high pressure toward the Referees. Last week I presented to FIBA Europe Technical Commission the data collected from the valid FIBA evaluation system. Our entire EBM2022 performance was between standard and above standard. Personally, before the tournament, my target was above-standard performance, plus a bigger number of very good performances. Unfortunately, we didn't meet my very high expectations, but I will continue to set the bar very high for you all, so we can continue of journey of improvement.

Now, in the next few days, all of you have the opportunity to show your best officiating and game management. After the first part of the new season, you are in optimal officiating shape and now you just need to provide the best service. Your job is to follow the OBR, OBRI, POE, and Protocols. Be strong and show a high level of emotional discipline.

Many teams will not have their best possible players, but the players on the court will be fighting for a position on their teams final World Cup rosters, so there will be challenges and there will be tensions in every game, we must be ready. We must also ready ourselves for the criticism and the finger pointing towards us, so I will remind us all, do not shoot at our own legs. We can avoid this by optimizing our delivery, by having great teamwork, and showing respect for all participants.

I wish you all great games.

Davorin