OFFICIATING

The participants of the Referee Candidate Clinic take part in various lectures.

On Saturday the 26th edition of the world famous Albert Schweitzer Tournament got underway in Mannheim, Germany.

Viewed by many as an unofficial U18 world championship, the Albert Schweitzer Tournament showcases players of the future. This year's edition features 16 national teams trying to succeed 2010 champions Australia.

The 17th team at the tournament is a group of 30 referees hoping to continue their officiating career on the international level.

35 referees gathered in Croatia last year at the first stage of trying to gain their international licence. This group was trimmed to 30 and under the watchful eye of the FIBA Europe Referee Department, they will be put through their paces in the next week of the competition.

Head of the Competitions and Referee Department, Richard Stokes commented, "This is a great tournament with a long history. We are delighted to be working with the DBB again here in Mannheim.

"Thanks to the support of their President Mr. Ingo Weiss and the Federation staff, we are able to provide a great setting in which to teach and evaluate the candidates."