RAF Junior Officiating Programme YOUNG PLAYERS AIM HIGHER WITH NEW REFEREE SCHEMETo tip off the new basketball season, the Royal Air Force is teaming up with England Basketball to launch the RAF Junior Referees Award Scheme. The new initiative, which launched last weekend with the first course being held at Chessington Sports Centre in the South East, is designed to offer young basketball players the chance to enter the world of officiating. By working closely with ten England Basketball regions, 20 young players from the U16 and U18 leagues are able to attend a Level one course. Players will be taught a wide range of refereeing skills such as, how to call a violation, the division of game responsibilities and when to ‘Blow the whistle’ to make a call. Those who show true potential to become a budding Junior Referee will be fast-tracked into a Level 2 scheme. Group Captain Dawn McCafferty, Head of the RAF’s Inspectorate of Recruiting said, “2005 marks the seventh year of the RAF’s continuing sponsorship of the English U14, U16 and U18 basketball leagues. The launch of the RAF Junior Referees Scheme is a further demonstration of our commitment to supporting youth basketball at grassroots level.” By receiving expert advice and coaching from experienced EBL and FIBA referees, the lucky hopefuls will be given a unique opportunity to work with their mentors at some of the top games in the country such as the prestigious RAF Final Fours in Spring 2006.
The dates for the South West and East Midlands Junior Officiating Award Scheme Course are now confirmed: East Midlands DATE: Sunday 9th October VENUE: Beauchamp College, Leicester TIME: 10.00am – 3.00pm Please email Ian Pollard at pollyref@btopenworld.com to book places. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 12th October
South West DATE: Sunday 16th October VENUE: Gloucester University, Oxstalls Campus TIME: 11.00am – 4.00pm Please email Bob Bousfield-Adams at Rbousfieldadams@hotmail.com to book places. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 12th October.
Other courses being held are: Yorkshire DATE: Sunday 9th October VENUE: EIS Sheffield TIME: 10.00am – 5.00pm Please email Colin Hurst at colinhurst@ic24.net to book places. The deadline for applications is Thursday 6th October.
South Date: Saturday 29th October 2005 Venue: Meadway Sports Centre Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm Please email Chris Mills at Christopher.mills1@hagemeyer.co.uk to book places. The deadline for applications is Tuesday 25th October.
North West DATE: Sunday 30th October 2005 VENUE: Amaechi Centre, Manchester TIME: 10.00am to 3.00pm Please contact Dave Woods at woodsd59@hotmail.com or 07762797560 to book places. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 26th October.
All courses are FREE of charge to all participants who will receive a course manual, t-shirt, whistle and other RAF goodies. All they will need to bring with them is a packed lunch for the day. All players interested in taking part in one of the courses should confirm their attendance with the relevant tutor. They will then receive travel directions and confirmation of their place on the course. |
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