The Tribune

ON the eve of two significant nationals - the Bahamas Basketball Federation’s High School and Commonwealth Championships, the New Providence Association of Basketball Officials (NPABO) is calling for deference and respect given to referees across the board.

According to Vice President Sharon ‘the General’ Storr, the atmosphere, as presently exists, is demeaning, threatening and outrightly unsafe.

“With some 30 years experience as a backdrop, this is the most disrespectful and ill-mannered period witnessed in basketball in this country, coming from players, coaches, fans and basketball administrators alike,” Storr said.

“It has come to the fore that an official was physically attacked, recently, and another was literally chased out of an arena both in the same association. In the former case, it is understood currently a court matter, thus will not be discussed further, however, in the latter situation, it has been reliably reported that a slap on the wrist fine was imposed.”

Storr said: “Moreover, aggressive accosting and in your face confrontations following games has become the norm, fashionable and common practice. With this widespread trend, ‘God’ forbid’, someone being seriously injured or extensive damage to belongings. Referees will make mistakes, after all we are only human. Officials expect disagreements, because of partisanship, ,we understand that there will be differences and aware that we will be called ill-begotten names and our families talked about - all, because of the nature of the game,” Store said.

“What is not understood is downright rude behaviour, especially coming from players and coaches. And, having to be overly concerned for personal and property safety after contests. Simply, seeking civility!”

Storr said in this age of ‘social media’ and the exposure to television where everyone is an expert in the game, combined with the across the board community discord, there still remain certain unsavory actions and conducts that are totally unacceptable.

“The wards and stakeholders of the sport of basketball are called upon to send a clear message that there is absolutely no place for the existing negativity that surround the game to abound,” he said.

“The Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) is implored to provide as much protection as possible in/at venues. There simply is no room for unbecoming attitude and boorish behaviour from anyone associated with our beloved sport.”

The National High School Basketball Championships is set for this weekend in Grand Bahama, while the Commonwealth National Basketball Round Robin Tournament will be held next month.