The participating referees were Rezia Retemyer, Calix Bernard, Shanna Chester, Leona Kyte, Ronaldo Teixeira, Zian Gray, Warren Wilson, Patrick Clarke, Treyon Grenville, Dexter Douglas, Shayne Joseph, Dennis Clarke and Kelvin Simon.
Led by FIBA Referee Instructor Felipe Valenzuela, the intensive one-day program brought together referees from different basketball organizations across Guyana. The activity formed part of the broader commitment to provide national federations with the knowledge, educational resources and technical support required to strengthen their domestic refereeing structures.
The workshop combined theoretical presentations, video analysis and practical demonstrations, creating an interactive learning environment focused on the fundamental principles of modern basketball officiating.
Key areas included technical mechanics, the appropriate use of the whistle, play processing, timing and judgment, game management, court positioning and primary and secondary coverage. Participants also reviewed standard officiating protocols, principles and techniques designed to improve consistency and teamwork within the referee crew.
Through video analysis, the officials examined game situations, identified best practices and discussed common officiating errors. These concepts were reinforced through live demonstrations and on-court simulations, allowing participants to apply the material and receive direct feedback from the instructor.
Supporting sustainable development across the continent
Referee education is a key component of FIBA strategy to support National Federations. By strengthening local instructors, officials and development structures, the program seeks to create a long-term impact that extends beyond individual workshops.
The Guyana initiative reflects the importance of adapting referee development programs to the specific needs and geographical realities of each country. With officials located across coastal, hinterland and overseas communities, future activities may incorporate a hybrid format combining in-person instruction with virtual participation. This approach could increase accessibility, maintain educational continuity and extend the program’s reach across Guyana.
The workshop was made possible through the collaboration of FIBA Americas, the Guyana Basketball Federation, the Guyana Basketball Officials Council and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards.
Through initiatives such as this, FIBA Americas continues to work alongside National Federations to expand development opportunities, strengthen domestic officiating systems and promote a common standard of refereeing throughout the continent.