One venue, four courses, 24 Level 1 qualified referees.

It’s been a successful year at the Amaechi Basketball Centre.

Under the expert guidance of Rick Dell, our referees manager, we have made it a priority to develop the next generation of referees.

And Rick’s hard work is paying off.

We ran Level 1 courses in March, May, August and November.

We also ran two Level 2 courses, which have so far resulted in seven qualified officials, six of whom have already taken charge of junior games in the National League.

Most of them are also officiating in the Junior Community Leagues on Friday evenings at the ABC.

Rick has also helped run a Level 3 course and plans to run another Level 2 one on 4-5 January, ensuring we start 2018 as we finished 2017.

“This has been a very busy and exciting time for referees and refereeing at the Amaechi Basketball Centre,” said Rick.

“It’s been a positive change for basketball in the area and we now have a group of teenage referees who are developing very quickly.

“Some of these young referees have shown great potential and I look forward to seeing their future progress.”

For more information about the two-day Level 2 course at the ABC on 4-5 January, contact Rick at rickdellman@gmail.co.uk or on 07803241172.