The time when I walked on the basketball court for the first time as a player never did I realize what importance an official holds. But in 2008 when I stepped into the shoes of one, I understood how crucial an official is for the game.For most of us the most fascinating thing about basketball is the part when the ball goes through the hoop and probably many of youngsters start this game with the same mindset. It’s very rare that we rack our brains to understand how an official intelligently handles and controls the entire game.
Honestly basketball is not looked upon as a career in our country and this is what needs to be changed. Not all of us can make it into the national team, so we end up playing in the name of love for the game and this love dies down after a few years because we are not aware of the career opportunities that this game can give us. I say if you have the passion for the game you can find your opportunity to make a career out of this game. Officiating is one important aspect of the game that can help you progress in your career at the same time keep you attached to the game you love.
So, what does it really take to be an official for basketball? Well here’s what you need to know about being one:-The rule and situation varies from State to State. Some states have different grades of officials- like C,B and the A class and to be placed on State panel a person needs to qualify in a written examination and also the physical fitness test. Thereafter, the official is eligible to appear for the BFI B panel, provided that the State recommends his or her name. Earlier there was a restriction on the number of officials appearing for the test at the Federation level but since there is a need to promote the game here, the restriction has been removed.
The “B” panel test has a written examination comprising 25 questions and to pass this, one should score at least 80%. For the Physical fitness test the male official has to complete 86 laps of 20 meters and female official has to complete 66 laps. The speed while running gradually increases with every minute which determines the endurance level in a person. Lastly the candidates are made to officiate in a game to see their mechanics and knowledge of the game.
To be promoted to the “A” Panel the official should have attended at least 3 nationals after qualifying on the “B” Panel. The performance of an official decides his invitation by the BFI for officiating matches at the National level. “A” Panel again comprises of all three written, physical and mechanism examinations.To represent Nation at international championships all the Referee has to appear for FIBA exam. After clearing the “A” Panel the official is eligible for this test BFI recommends the name for the FIBA official exam. It is a compulsion for the official to score more than 80% of marks in the exam to qualify as a FIBA official. In the physical fitness test a male candidate is expected to run 86 laps of 20 meters within 10 minutes and the female candidates 66 laps in the same time period. And in 5 minutes your mechanism will be judged later on. Being an international front, it is very important for the candidate to have the right knowledge about the game and a good command over English language, there are personal interviews taken by the FIBA committee to judge the same.
The journey to be an official is not so tough as long as you give your 100% to it. Its not only about what you do as an official, its also about how well you do it. Simply knowing the rules and mechanics might make an average official. But being a great official takes more than just studying the rulebook. One has to learn how to successfully navigate the seven C’s: Confidence, Composure, Concentration, Communication, Cohesion, Control and Commitment. Are you up for it?
