WEEKLY REPORT: Round of 16 - 3

Dear Colleagues.

Here we are, back again after a short BCL break due to National Teams' Qualifying games. It has been a month since the last regular round of the BCL games. In that month, the World has changed, and not in a positive way. From my side, I hope, wish, and believe that there is the possibility for a better tomorrow.

I would like to start by thanking all of you for your efforts and performances in the QR games for the World Cup 2023. The big picture is that you all completed your nominations in a positive and professional manner and to a level suitable for the competition. You know I like to compare different sports and situations so here is my analysis from the recent games. No single team in football has 28 players of the same skill level as Messi or Modric, no single team in basketball has 12 players like Jokic or Antetokounmpo. The essence of every team is to get the best out of each individual and respect the contribution that everyone makes. Thus, my intention was to incorporate the best possible Crews in the QR games, crews that I knew would produce in the spotlight of the National Team games. The outcome is that we managed to do this, but not only this. I was also able to give some of our 'younger' referees, who have shown a high level of commitment to improving their officiating, an opportunity to officiate at this higher level, so we have a wider group of referees ready to officiate these high-level games.

FEEDBACK - BCL games, February 07 - 10

One of the characteristics of modern basketball worldwide are the players continuous effort to focus on new ways to gain an illegal advantage by their actions during the game. For us in the BCL, we have already recognized fake being fouled actions, an offensive arm lock, head up, intentional bumping to the screen, over-reaction, and additional body movements, but we have a new unnecessary illegal action appearing in the game we love, offensive player's using their elbow or palm and putting it to the face, neck, or chest of the defensive player. For you as a referee, through your game nominations may not have seen this action yet, but for me as a manager, who watches all the BCL, and all the QR World Cup games, it is very visible.

When and how?

When the offensive player is progressing with his dribble, and he is passing, or has passed, the defensive player, he extends his elbow or palm and makes contact to the face, head, neck, or chest of the defensive player.

The next point is to control the emotions of the coaches and benches. Our lovely sport is full of adrenalin and passion, we don't want to stop this and make our games clinical and sterile, but we must manage the behavior without unnecessary fines. We, you, have worked extremely hard in accepting our approach to communication and preventative officiating but our 'line in the sand' still, and must exist. We cannot be ''blind'' when a coach shows visible gestures like 'Jesus', laugh at us after we have made a decision, or hold their head with two hands. All these actions are showing disrespect for our job and our role. We must keep the dignity of our job, especially when our decision was correct and proper. However, we should also be sensitive, and honest, when we have made a mistake, and their reaction has been caused by this. Remember, an honest word can open any door.

Some additional elements to focus on:

Time control

Travel violations 

Dear Colleagues,

We have in front of us three decisive rounds. From our side we are expecting your best possible performances, every game, quarter, minute, second, play situation. Ultimately, so far this season, as a group, you have done an excellent job. You just need to keep to these established standards we have set for ourselves. Simply be the best.

I wish you high level officiating and safe travels.

Davorin