EMBARGOED UNTIL AFTER DELIVERY
SPEECH
BY TAN ENGLIANG, CHAIRMAN,SINGAPORE
SPORTS
COUNCIL,
AT THEOPENINGOF THEASIANBASKETBALL
CONFEDERATION
REFEREES
CLINIC AT THE NATIONAL
STADIUMTHEATRETTE
ON 29 OCTOBER
80
I am happy that Singapore has been selected as the
venue of the 1980 Asian Basketball Confederation Referees Clinic
and that representatives
present here.
of no fewer than 15 Asian countries are
Singapore, as a young country learning from the
rest of Asia, does not have much to offer in sport expertise.
l
Our modest contribution
a service role,
to the sport world is thus restricted
like providing the amenities and facilities,
necessary fox the conduct of clinics and
useful
courses.
to Asian end world sport controlling
of provision,
to
If we can be
bodies in this type
then we will be more than happy to continue with
this service.
In fact,
Singapore has been called upon to assist in various
courses and seminars in the past.
for officials
A few years ago, a cycling clinic
sponsored by Olympia Solidarity,
was held in Singapore,
Early this year a course for swimming coaches, also by Olympic
Solidarity,
was organised here.
football referees.,
There was also a FIFA course for
On the fourteenth
of next month, Singapore will
host the IAAF Advanced Course for athletic
these courses are contributing
the technical
significantly
coaches. Needless to
say,
to the advancement of
knowledge end expertise of officials
in Asia.
The gameof basketball was invented in 1891 by Dr James
Naismith, an American. Today, it is one of the most popular sports
in the world with en estimated 20 million
players.
In Singapore,
it is the sixth most popular sport with about 28,000 players end
indications
are that the game will
continue to grow at a steady pace.
2
It is interesting
13
to note that from en original
rules worked out by the inventor,
set of
a comprehensive set of rules,
with over a hundred sections designed to govern the game, has been
developed.
These changes and additions have gradually
as a result
of a number of factors.
The individual
come about
is a. better
physical specimen. Coaches stress the strategy of individual
teem play.
Scientific
principles
end
are considered end better coaching
end teaching methods are used by the average coach.
With so much change taking place, it is necessary for us
to take a closer &ok at the officials
implementing these rules,
what kind of referees
who ore responsible
what is a good official?
for
Wemay ask,
and umpires do we went to produce? How
should referees conduct themselves?
To my mind, good officiating
of basketball,
as in other
sports, is based on a thorough knowledge of the rules which govern
the operation of the competition.
There is no substitute
for a
complete understanding of rule fundamentals, and the amendments
and interpretations
that take place from time to time.
A good referee understands end practises
mechanics. It is just as important for him
accepted officiating
to know how to officiate,
at his finger-tips,
humanrelations.
universally-
as it is to know the rules of the game
A good referee exhibits
en understanding of
This understanding, supplemented by the proper
use of tact and courtesy, can either prevent or ease difficult
situations
which are commonin modern basketball.
must have the ability
to control situations
firm and professional
manner.
A good referee
as they arise in a
3
Further,
all fouls
the good referee must have the courage to call
quickly
end fairly
real courage to resist
spectators,
without prejudice or fear.
pressure end intimidation
It takes
from players end
alike.
Adopting the right
Referees, especially
upon their
attitude
is important in refereeing.
the young end the untested, should not look
duties as en opportunity
to impose their
will
upon the
Neither should they go on court with the aim of calling
players.
as many fouls and violations
as possible.
They must understand
that the modern gameis of ouch complexity and is played at such
speed, that fouls end violations
are bound to occur.
Last but not least, I would like to say that officiating
is a pursuit
which requires the intensive
dedication of those who
wish to reach the maximum level of competency. This beautiful
gameof basketball
can inspire
deserves competent officials
- officials
who
confidence amongthe contestants.
On this note, I would like to commendthe Basketball
Association of Singapore for organising this referees
clinic,
to thank the Asian Basketball Confederation for selecting
as the venue.
To all participants
and
Singapore
and friends from the various
Asian coontrios and Mr Allen Rae, from the Confederation International
de Basketball Amateur, I wish you all a successful and fruitful
clinic.
officials.
I am confident you will
I now have great pleasure in declaring the
Referees Clinic
/11c
leave here better end more enlightened
open.
1980 ABC