WEEKLY REPORT - April 4th

Dear Colleagues,

Thank you for your performance, desire, and dedication on successfully completing the L16 stage of the BCL competition.

My conclusion, as well as the VO reports from our observing team, is that we have raised the level of our work in the L16 round to a new higher level; we have set ourselves a new 'standard performance' expectation. During this move forward we have stabilized the level of progress and increased our consistency during the games. This is a great starting point for what awaits us in the continuation of the BCL competition but let's not see our performance levels as finished. As always, we must look to improve individually, and as part of a team, every time we step onto the floor. There is always room for further improvement, moving forwards to the next higher level.

Feedback from our Video Observers:

IRS USAGE

GD6, L16 was a decisive week for many of the Clubs. From the Referees' side this importance was recognized, and the number of IRS check situations was bigger than our average. We used the IRS 15 times, all inside the valid Protocol, all conclusive, with 86.6% ending in the correct decision.

UF DECISIONS

In the last three L16 rounds, per round we've had a 'stable' 2 or 3 wrong UF final decisions. With the proper usage of technology, your quality, experience, and calmness we must reduce this number of wrong final decisions. As I wrote a few weeks ago, the UF criteria will be one of our pillars of focus for improvement moving forward.

POINTS FOR IMPROVEMENT

As main points, two details appeared:

• Reduce marginal calls
• Better UF situations judgment

From my side we should have better control of:

• Illegal use of arms - palm, elbow, or arm to the opponent's face or chest
• Illegal advantage after travel violation
• Disappointed players and their illegal actions or behavior

Dear Colleagues,

The characteristic of the next stage in the BCL competition is the knock-out system. As in boxing, there are not many opportunities for recovery in such a system. Therefore, our role must be to provide the best possible service.

We all know that we can expect a lot of pressure; pointing the finger towards us as being responsible for a team not achieving the positive result they expected. Of course, our mistakes are possible, and may and will happen. With concentration in our fundamentals, excellent pre-game scouting and preparation, an active mindset form the first to the last second and equitable, brave officiating in each game we can reduce our mistakes to an absolute minimum.

For my side, I am convinced that in every future BCL game we, the Referees, can be the best team. Regardless of who speaks against your right decisions, I will be the first person who will defend and protect your correct and proper work. Of course, I will also admit our mistakes but as previously said, you have the tools to reduce and keep these mistakes very low.

Finally, be calm, concentrated and with quality decisions in the decisive parts of every game.

I wish all of you successful officiating in BCL QF games; simply I expect you to give your best.

Davorin Nakic and Video Observers