WEEKLY LETTER - GD5

20.11.2023

Dear Referees and Video Observers.

Thank you all for your performances in the recent BCL games, GD 05.

Before we start, just to update you, Glisa had a successful surgery, and has now started his recovery process. Unfortunately, during the weekend we had a new similar injury to the FIBA Referee so please, follow the instructions of our Fitness Team, and be 100% ready for each game.

The overall feedback BCL GD 05, recognitions by your Video Observers:

Points to keep/positive

  • Correct game control - mentioned in almost each Report.
  • Act of shooting control – continue with that element.
  • UF criteria
  • Concentration until the last second of the game

Points for improvement

  • Discipline in fundamentals

My comment:

You should increase your mental strength and emotional discipline. More trust in your partners.

The lack of previous elements is leading to points for improvement in areas such as:

  1. Unnecessary double whistle
  2. Marginal calls
  3. Quick whistle
  • AMI, read the play

My comment:

Focus on the possible help defender. Today it is an obvious, expected play situation. Read the play and be ready to make proper call or no call decision in your primary.

  • Call the first illegal contact and prevent the action/reaction situation

UF criteria

In this round, in 8 games, we had 7 UF situations. One decision was incorrect.

By criteria – C1 3x, C2 3x, C4 1x.

From the beginning of the season, in general, we have had the proper approach to UF criteria. On the other side, players recognized criteria U3 and U4, and it is visible they are trying to avoid these illegal contacts.

Head Coach Challenge

IRS usage by Referees

I would like to point out how time-consuming IRS checks are.

In this round, we have an average of 75 seconds per IRS check. I cannot say that it's too long, as we need the correct decision, so just try to be efficient in these situations. In the case of a significant or decisive moment for the game, use as long as necessary to make the PROPER decision.

My closing comments:

In the previous part of my letter, you have some of my comments/advice.

I would like to also deliver my thoughs regarding the information from our VOs, and their recognition of your performance level. The good news, no below-standard or not acceptable performances. This can be seen as OK news, we had 24x STANDARD and 3x ABOVE STANDARD performances but we still need to strive for those VERY GOOD performances.

Please remember, and do your best to reach the highest possible level (VERY GOOD) and increase your standard to above standard performance level. Finally remember, in the BCL, in any game each point counts.

I wish you a great week of officiating in all our competitions.

Davorin