Oceania secretary general refs Masters opening

The 2005 Masters Basketball League got off to a great start, especially since its opening game Tuesday night featured a special guest referee, which only happened to be the highest-ranking official of FIBA Oceania.

After spending much of his first day on island speaking with BANMI officials, as well as others from the government and private sectors, FIBA Oceania secretary general Steve Smith pulled out his trusty whistle from his travel bag and officiated the first three minutes of the 35-and-over and 45-and-over leagues at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Smith was originally invited to do the ceremonial tip off, but the Aussie wanted to see CNMI basketball more up close and personal and he gamely served as referee of part of the opening quarter.

Details of the two games played were not available as of press time.

Aside from holding his current position as an Oceania official, Smith is also certified as a referee, coach, and coach educator.

Smith initially served as Zone Administrator before becoming deputy secretary general. He became secretary general in 1997, and since then, serves on the Central Board of the International Basketball Federation, the sports governing body.

Smith spent the past two days working with basketball officials in hopes of improving the standard of the sport in the Commonwealth, and also disclosed that FIBA Oceania is prepared to provide financial assistance to employ an individual who will be tasked with assisting various basketball leagues.

“One issue is the need to have a paid employee to help the [Division of Sports and Recreation] people to run some basketball programs, help the school people run school leagues, and we have some financial assistance that we’re prepared to help make that happen,” he said during an earlier interview.

FIBA Oceania, however, will not shoulder the entire cost of the employment as Smith found it be best for the local basketball scene to receive assistance from other sources such as the government and private sectors.

“If the basketball association or some local sponsors are involved in putting some money into employing some person here, then they’ll be working pretty hard to make sure the person is doing the job they want,” he said.

Smith arrived on Tuesday and left the island yesterday.