Abuja- The Technical Committee of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has suspended three referees for alleged incompetence, as well as improper and unprofessional conduct during the inaugural Savannah Conference 6 Challenge.
In a statement on Tuesday in Abuja by Patrick Omorodion, the Head of NBBF Media, the Federation said the suspension would help give the basketball game a sound footing.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the maiden edition of the Savannah Conference 6 Challenge was held in Kano from July 21 to July 26.
“The suspension will be in place pending investigation of the matter which occurred during a crucial game that was reportedly mishandled by the trio.
“The suspended referees are Mohammed Keybir, Isa Aliyu and Abdullahi Galoji,’’ the statement said.
It added that the NBBF had meanwhile continued with programmes to ensure that referees were well equipped to handle matches in the various leagues in the country.
The statement said the programmes were also designed to replace some of those referees who had retired.
“Towards this end, a Special Female Basketball Referees Clinic was held during the recently-concluded Zenith Bank National Women Basketball League finals in Lagos from July 24 to July 26,’’ it said.
The statement quoted the referees instructor, Popoola Babatunde, as saying the 12 referees who participated in the clinic were taken through fitness, written and practical tests.
“Even though only five were successful, but the participants were able to learn more about basketball officiating within the three days the clinic lasted.
“They were taken through the rules of the game, mechanics of officiating, game management and psychology of officiating of basketball,” he said.
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Babatunde pointed out that the participants were expected to score 100 per cent in the fitness test as well as 60 per cent each in the written and practical tests.
“This is needed to be certified fit to officiate league matches,’’ the instructor said.
He however said the five successful participants should be allowed to officiate basketball games in Nigeria as referees on Grade III.
“They should be protected, encouraged and nurtured to maturity by involving them immediately in officiating in some of the remaining competitions for the year.
“This will expose and get them ready for the job ahead,” Popoola said.
NAN reports that the successful participants include Amoo Abosede, Abdsalam Nimat, Abidogun Olawunmi, Aina Margaret and Yahaya Rukayat.(NAN)
