Football and basketball are very different games, played at a very different pace and using entirely different parts of the body but that doesn't mean that when it comes to refereeing there isn't knowledge to be shared.

FIFA has invited 54 referees and 12 professional instructors to prepare for their showcase event, the 2010

Miguel Betancor, FIBA Europe's Referee Co-ordinator (center) will play a critical role in preparing FIFA officials for the 2010 World Cup.

World Cup in South Africa, using an educational platform created in part by FIBA Europe Referee Co-ordinator Miguel Betancor.

Betancor, who works at the University of Las Palmas Educational Centre for Referees and Sport in Gran Canaria, spent a weekend with his football colleagues with the task of helping them to prepare for the rigors of refereeing at such a high calibre event.

"FIFA and FIBA Europe work in the same way when it comes to the approach to the referees.  We share the same philosophy and a common goal which is to make them better and better." said Betancor.

Participants will spend time over the next two years learning more about both the mental and physical aspects of their trade with the help of their instructors, who include psychologists, trainers and physicians.

"As someone who refereed I know that there is a lot to be learned from programs like this," commented FIBA Europe Secretary General Nar Zanolin.

"It's a pleasure to be able to cooperate with FIFA on this and I hope that the eventual outcome will be better refereeing in both sports."