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2024 tera EVENT PROGRAM

Unlock Your Full Potential with The Elite Referee Academy (TERA)!

Transform your officiating career with TERA's state-of-the-art Basketball Referee Training, Education, and Development program. We're on a mission to revolutionize basketball officiating across Canada. Whether you're a dedicated official, conference supervisor, coordinator, assigner, or league administrator, TERA is your ultimate resource for mastering the essentials that directly impact performance.

Tailored Just for You:

Our program is meticulously crafted to meet your unique needs, providing unparalleled value to every participant. Embark on a personalized journey of growth, sharpening your skills with the most relevant, handpicked content.

With TERA, you'll gain the tools and confidence to excel like never before.

THURS.

AUGUST

29th

5pm - 5:30pm

WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS

Registrants will gather and introduce themselves to others attendees. Meet old friends, make new connections, and enjoy an evening of stirring conversations. We will highlight some of the upcoming camp goals, activities, and possible outcomes. These online event are included with your registration fee.

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THURS.

AUGUST

29th

5:45pm - 6:30pm

Racial Bias In Officiating

Fairness and impartiality are the bedrock of basketball officiating, yet recent research has exposed a troubling truth—racial bias among NBA officials.

This issue raises urgent questions about what might be happening at the grassroots level, where oversight is often less stringent.

 

If such biases exist at the highest level, how pervasive might they be in lower-level games?

 

As we confront this challenge, we must ask: How can officials ensure every call is free from bias? What practical steps can they take to uphold the highest standards of equity on the court?

Join us as we explore these crucial questions and discuss strategies to recognize, overcome, and ultimately change the narrative around bias in officiating.

Moderated and presented by:

Sabrina Razack -Centre for Sports and Human Rights

THURS.

AUGUST

29th

6:45pm - 7:30pm

Effective Communication Methods and Tactics

 

In the fast-paced world of basketball, effective communication is the key to maintaining control and fostering respect among players, coaches, and officials. The ability to manage and de-escalate tense situations through both verbal and non-verbal strategies is essential for ensuring fairness and the smooth flow of the game.

We’ll delve into practical tactics that officials can use to resolve conflicts—whether it’s calming a heated exchange or addressing disagreements with authority and empathy. Understanding how to align words with actions and interpreting the body language of others are skills that can elevate an official’s presence both on and off the court.

Join us as we explore these vital communication techniques, equipping officials with the tools they need to navigate challenging interactions with confidence and professionalism.

 

Presented by:

Fei Xiang - FIBA International Official

THURS.

AUGUST

29th

7:45pm - 8:30pm

GAME PREPARATION AND READINESS

Game preparation goes beyond just knowing the rules; it’s about being mentally and physically ready to perform at your highest level. For officials, the pressure is immense, and how they prepare can significantly impact their on-court performance. Thorough preparation is not just a routine—it's the foundation of success.

In this session, we’ll explore effective tactics to mentally and physically prime yourself for challenging assignments. From visualization techniques and pre-game routines to strategies for maintaining focus under pressure, these insights will help you approach each game with confidence and clarity.

Presented by:

Nate Saunders - FIBA International Official

THURS.

AUGUST

29th

9pm - 9:45pm

PLAY CALLING FOR SUCCESS

In the high-stakes environment of the NBA, effective play-calling can make or break a game. Success on the court requires not just knowledge of the rules but the ability to make quick, accurate decisions that maintain the flow and fairness of the game.

We’re thrilled to have Matt Myres with us, a seasoned expert in NBA official.

Matt will guide us through essential strategies to enhance your play-calling abilities. He’ll cover the key considerations that need to be made during a game, along with other critical elements that contribute to calling a high-performance game.

Prepare to gain insights that will sharpen your instincts, improve your judgment, and elevate your performance as an official.

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Keynote Address Presented by:

MATT MYERS - NBA OFFICIAL

FRI.

AUGUST

30th

5:30pm - 6:15pm

WHY EQUITY MATTERS

 

In the world of basketball, equity, diversity, and inclusion are not just ideals—they are essential to the growth and integrity of the sport. Ensuring equitable representation at all levels of the game fosters a more inclusive and fair environment for everyone involved.

Today, we’re fortunate to have Justin Bobb with us, a leader in championing these values. In this interactive session, Justin will guide us through an open and honest dialogue on why equity matters. We’ll explore the significance of equitable representation and how it strengthens the fabric of basketball, from grassroots to the professional level.

Join us as we dive into this crucial conversation, gaining insights and strategies to enhance equity and create a more inclusive future for the game we all love.

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Presented by:

Justin Bobb - Executive Director of Peace Builders Canada

FRI.

AUGUST

30th

6:20pm - 7pm

IN GAME ADJUSTMENTS

Even with the best pregame conferences, thorough preparation, and deep insights into teams, coaches, and players, there are times when things on the court don’t go as planned. In these moments, the ability to make in-game adjustments becomes crucial for successfully managing a game.

We’re excited to have Chris Delaney with us today, an expert in navigating the unexpected. Chris will share his insights on how to pivot when things start to unravel, manage crew inconsistencies, and demonstrate strong leadership under pressure. His guidance will help you stay adaptable and effective, ensuring that you maintain control and integrity no matter what challenges arise.

Prepare to gain valuable strategies that will enhance your ability to adjust on the fly and lead with confidence in every game.

 

Presented by:

Chris Delaney - FIBA High Performance Official

FRI.

August

30th

7:15pm - 8:00pm

SECONDARY COVERAGE - WHERE ARE WE POSITIONED

In basketball officiating, secondary coverage is just as critical as primary coverage. It’s about extending your focus beyond your assigned area, ensuring that the game is managed with precision and fairness. Understanding how and when to shift your attention can significantly impact the flow and integrity of the game.

Jayson Stiell will guide us through FIBA's expectations on secondary coverage and offer practical strategies to enhance your on-court performance. His insights will help you better coordinate with your crew and improve call accuracy, making this session essential for every official looking to elevate their game.

 

Presented by:

Jayson Stiell - FIBA International Official

FRI.

AUGUST

30th

8:05pm - 9pm

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

RONNIE NUNN

Our esteemed keynote speaker for TERA Camp, is the legendary Ronnie Nunn.

 

Ronnie Nunn's name is synonymous with excellence and integrity in the world of basketball officiating. With a remarkable 27-year career in the NBA, Ronnie's journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game. As an NBA official, Ronnie oversaw 1,134 regular-season games, 73 playoff games, and four NBA Finals, cementing his legacy as one of the most respected figures in the league.

Ronnie's impact extends far beyond the court. He served as the NBA's Director of Officials for five years, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of referees. His contributions didn't stop there—Ronnie went on to establish the NunnBetterRefs camp, a premier training ground for aspiring officials, where his expertise continues to guide and inspire.

Today, Ronnie is leading the charge in the development of officials in The Basketball Super League (TBSL), where his visionary leadership is setting the stage for the future of basketball officiating.

 

His presence here at TERA Camp is not just a highlight—it's a momentous occasion for all of us who strive to reach the pinnacle of our officiating careers.

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