Basketball: Refereeing changes likely for start of next season

Duncan Hooper
Friday 22 April 1994 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

(First Edition)

AN ELITE group of referees could be in place next season to control major games in the Budweiser League. Moves to halt the increasing number of player suspensions and to improve relationships between referees and the players and coaches also include an end to regionalisation of officiating.

The number of suspensions of players and coaches has steadily grown over the past four seasons, from none in 1990-91, to eight the following season, then 12 last season and more than 24 this season.

Regionalising officiating saves money for the clubs in expenses paid to officials. But with teams playing each other three times in the league, in addition to regionalised league trophy groups, animosity between players and directed towards officials often carries over into the following games.

Mike Smith, chief executive of the Basketball League Limited, said: 'We have had regionalisation for three years and it has proved counter-productive. We must put in place a framework to enable coaches, players and officials to communicate effectively on the problems they face.'

Both the English Association of Basketball Officials and the recently formed Basketball Players' Association are drawing up codes of conduct for their members. At next weekend's Budweiser League play-offs at Wembley Arena, discussions will continue on implementing the plans for next season.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in