Referees group comes out with ‘violations’ logbook

Basketball Association of the Northern Mariana Islands Referees Association has launched a logbook which would monitor violations committed by players and coaches in BANMI-sanctioned tournaments.

Dubbed “Coaches and Competitors Violations Logbook,” referees association president Arnold Mesa said this will give basketball officials basis for sanctioning players/coaches and at the same time explain to the violators how authorities come up with the penalties.

Mesa explained entries to the logbook will include ejections, technical fouls, flagrant fouls, warnings (depending on the magnitude), and other unsportsmanlike conducts.

“After the violation, it will be the responsibility of the referee who made the call to approach the scorer’s table and make an entry in the logbook. Dates, nature of violation, and the names of the parties involved must be put into writing,” he added.

“If a player complains why he is being suspended, you can show him a copy of the entries in the logbook. This is what you have done and this is the reason we are suspending you,” Mesa said.

The referee association head added they will present the logbook to BANMI in a meeting this weekend.

Once approved, the logbook may be used in the various leagues in the CNMI, including the Bud Cup and Rotary 18-and-under caging.

Mesa believes having a logbook will further educate players and coaches how to behave on the court.

“They will be aware of their extra actions besides playing the game in the right way because they know these unnecessary fouls/complains will be put on record,” Mesa said.

Mesa and fellow referee Noel Delos Santos had already used the logbook yesterday during the opening of the high school division of the 2008-2009 Marianas Interscholastic Sports Organization Basketball League at the Marianas High School Gym. The opening day of the high school caging featured the defending champion Kagman Lady Ayuyus colliding with the Lady Knights.

Meanwhile, Mesa said he will be conducting free clinics on prevention of violations and injuries.

“It’s not pleasing to see in the scorebook teams committing 50 to 60 fouls a game. That’s a lot and you don’t even know if they just played tough defense or just thrilled of giving up fouls,” Mesa said.

“Either way, that’s not the right way to play basketball. Committing a lot of fouls increases the chances of getting a player injured,” he added.

For teams/coaches interested on the clinic, contact Mesa at 868-6578 or 287-7322.