As part of the ongoing development of referees in Europe, FIBA Europe's Referee Department hosted its first meeting last weekend to plan a programme that will help in the development of young referees.

The participants included a variety of experts, all currently involved in the training and development of referees.

FIBA Europe Referee Co-ordinator Miguel Betancor was on hand along with Richard Stokes from FIBA Europe, who has played a role in developing the teaching materials and standards for international referees in Europe.  Also present were Roger Schwarz, a FIBA Europe Instructor and former National Instructor from Germany; Rui Valente, a FIBA Europe Instructor and the current National Instructor from Portugal; Alan Richardson, a FIBA Europe Instructor, National Instructor from England and a current Technical Advisor member of the Euroleague Referees Department.

"Currently we have a very good level of officiating in Europe, you only have to look at the global competitions to see that Europe supplies the majority of referees for those tournaments," commented Betancor.

"However, we must work now to ensure that the next generation of referees are better, because the next generation of players and coaches will also be at a higher level. As officials, we must keep pace with changes in the game."

The meeting focused on the types of support that will be offered to over 45 referees that were identified, which includes a coaching and mentoring programme, the use of new technology, as well as medical and physiological support. It also defined a framework that will be introduced during the current season.

Betancor added: "We have seen the benefits of our Potential Referee Clinics in the last EuroBasket and EuroBasket Women. Forty percent of the referees 'graduated' from this programme and whilst it was successful, we need to add to this with more direct support.

"This project means that we must work in conjunction with the referees, the national instructors and the federations to develop better officials internationally, and to provide a visible pathway from the national competitions. It is the national instructors in each country that well help identify the next generation of referees. The process is extended again, and never ends."