Russia can boast of having some of the finest European basketball talent on the continent through stars such as Andrei Kirilenko and Maria Stepanova.

Soon, the country could potentially have the best referees thanks to the Russian Basketball Federation’s commitment to officiating through unveiling of new centers and an increased number of clinics.

		“	We strive to improve all levels of officiating.	„
		Miguel Betancor

FIBA Europe Referee Co-ordinator Miguel Betancor and Competitions Administrator Richard Stokes were in the Moscow Region last month to take part in a clinic at the new referee’s conference centre at the home arena of EuroCup club Khimki.

The clinic lasted three days and included a summary of current points of emphasis within European officiating, a review of the last season’s games in the Russian SuperLeague and direct feedback after the Russian League Final Four. Over 60 Russian officials and commissioners were in attendance.

“FIBA Europe is committed to assisting National Federations develop and improve not only their international referees, but also the standard of referees in national competitions,” Betancor said.

“It is our job to supply resources and tools to assist in the development and improvement of officiating at all levels and to help deliver programmes specific to each federation.”

Other coaching centres are planned to be established in Rostov, Vladivostock, Novisibirsk and Ekaterinburg.

"By introducing these regional centres, it will enable officials to attend clinics and seminars more easily, especially when you consider the sheer size of the country,” said Stokes.

“In doing this, the Russian Federation and the clubs will have made a commitment to improving the technical areas of the game.”

Stokes also took part in a referees’ clinic last month in Sweden during the Scania Cup, a junior club tournament which features teams at the U14, U16 and U18 age categories. A total of 95 officials were in attendance.

“We strive to improve all levels of officiating,” Betancor said.