Latest update April 6th, 2025 11:06 AM
Latest News
- High Court bars GRA from seizing Team Mohamed’s luxury vehicles
- Oil spill will hit Guyana’s shores before capping stack arrives to plug leak
- UN says 100 children killed or injured in Gaza every day since war resumed
- Guyana received US$605M oil money in first quarter of 2025
- ‘Tariff war’ spells grave danger for the Region – CARICOM Chair Mottley
Training important to consistency in refereeing – says Younge
Aubrey Younge
International Basketball Federation (FIBA) referee candidate, Aubrey Younge (AY) is of the view that training is an important aspect of consistency in officiating local basketball and is willing to disseminate his acquired knowledge.
In an interview with Paul Haynes (PH) for guyanabasketball.com, Younge stated that his experience at the FIBA referees’ accreditation course at the Olympic Centre in Colorado ranks among the top 10 experiences of his life.
Kaieteur Sport was sent the interview, which was done in New Jersey after Younge and Lugard Mohan attended the course. Mohan’s interview appeared last week and below is the full content of Younge’s interview.
PH: Do you plan to conduct clinics for current and future referees based on the knowledge and training you have received?
AY: I will make myself available to conduct and/or participate in any basketball clinic that would benefit the Guyana basketball community.
PH: Based on the new FIBA 3 member officiating rule, will Guyana adopt this new rule change for local games or will it only be enforced in FIBA sanctioned games?
AY: Ultimately the decision is in the hands of the Guyana [Amateur] Basketball Federation; however, I will be pushing for those bodies to implement this system. It’s important for future referee candidates to have thorough knowledge of the three-man mechanics for a FIBA Licence.
PH: What was your overall experience at the US Olympic Training Centre?
AY: When I make my list of my top 10 experiences this ranks right up there. The USA Olympic Centre was off the charts, and to think it’s just there practice facility. There were two persons there that didn’t referee as a profession, myself and Lugard, so that professional approach was lacking.
PH: Based on the physical demands for the Beep test, are there potential candidates that the Haynes Foundation can lobby for to attend a future certification clinic to increase Guyana’s referee pool?
AY: Yes I think all the practicing referees in Guyana are potential candidates especially if you look at it from that perspective. Ultimately, it’s how you prepare; the beep test is one of the most important aspects of the programme.
PH: Colorado is known for its mile high altitude. Was that a factor in maintaining your focus and physical abilities to successfully complete the clinic and certification programme?
AY: Oh yes that was definitely a focal point, even for the people from the USA and Canada who we taught should be accustomed to it. Something we talked about all the time.
PH: What were the major highlights of the clinic and how will it affect the game in Guyana?
AY: The major highlight of the clinic was the three-man rotation; this should have a positive impact on the game in Guyana. This system gives you more court coverage which will help to clean up the game.
PH: With more referees receiving formal FIBA training, will there be more consistency and less controversial calls on the court?
AY: Oh yes, I do think there would be more consistency in our refereeing if others receive the training. There is that professional approach lacking, the present system of just getting people who have not received any training to officiate in games cannot continue if Guyana’s basketball is to improve.
PH: What were the positives and negatives of the trip?
AY: All and all this was a positive experience for me.
PH: What advice do you have for individuals aspiring to be a FIBA certified referee?
AY: Work hard, seek advice, be professional and remember to say please and thank you, it will take you a far way.
PH: Will Guyana form a basketball referees’ association?
AY: It is something on the cards for sometime now, Lugard and I have spoken about it from time to time, but I am very optimistic.
Younge expressed gratitude to the Haynes Foundation, family, friends, Lugard Mohan, Ret. Col. Godwin McPherson, Robert Cadogan, Guyana’s basketball community, Guyana Power and Light Inc., Noble House Seafoods, Windjammer Hotel, Hits and Jams TV, John Fernandes LTD, Patterson Associates, Demerara Power Company, Kingsrow Barbell Club, Dyna’s Ravens, Georgetown Masters Association and National Sports Commission.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
This must not be our hour of humiliation
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- There are moments in the history of nations when fate lays before them a choice not of... more
The U.S. “Joining” the Commonwealth: an unreasonable expectation
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- Recent media stories have suggested that King Charles III could “invite” the United... more
Weekend Cartoon
