The VTB League organized a special camp for top young referees–some of whom will work 2018-19 league games–from September 26-28 in Khimki.
FIBA Europe refereeing chief Davorin Nakic and VTB League head of officiating Nikos Pitsilkas were invited to provide instruction.
Over the course of three days, 16 promising young referees from five countries (Estonia, Latvia, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan and Russia) have participated in seminars, covering the key aspects of refereeing, followed by hands-on experience officiating in Alexander Petrenko Cup preseason games. After each game, each referee has received detailed analysis of their performance, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.
The League will also organize a preseason seminar for all referees, while League executives will organize a meeting with head coaches from each of the 14 clubs.
League general director Ilona Korstin:
– This is the first time the League has held a preseason camp for young referees. FIBA Europe refereeing chief Davorin Nakic and VTB League head of officiating Nikos Pitsilkas selected the top young referees, whom they believe from professional experience are capable of quickly becoming top referees in the VTB United League.
We need to train a new generation with an emphasis on Russian referees. The VTB League is banking on the future. The young people we have selected are highly motivated to develop. You can see the passion in their eyes. The League intends to gradually introduce these referees to official games and carefully track their performance. If they can meet League standards, we will begin assigning them to games on a regular basis.
