The Sri Lanka Basketball Referees Association (SLBRA) is now offering part time ‘Referee Jobs’ to youth’ said newly elected President of the Sri Lanka Basketball Referees Association, Sudesh Rupasinghe.
This is to attract the new generation towards the game and also offer them ‘Pocket money.’
He said that those who are keen to get involved in Refereeing should contact the SLBRA. “The Association will then train them and offer a certificate which would allow them to Referee in any tournament. Discussions are already in pursuit with the National Institute of Sports Science (NISS) to carry out a diploma programmer for beginners.
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| Sudesh Rupasinghe, President of Sri Lanka Basketball Referees’ Association |
Those Youth who are serious and want to make a Refereeing a ‘more serious job’ can undergo a lengthy course where the Association would provide a certificate with international validity.” According Rupasinghe, the SLBA has established a programme to identify new talents. The first grading of referees in 2018 has been completed. SLBRA meets newly selected referees every poya day for education and updating of rule knowledge of the basketball game and to improve the standards to global level.
The president of SLBRA said, ‘the association has been identifying talents from the Northern and Eastern provinces who could act as level 2 referees and develop them to become National referees.’’
President Rupasinghe also mentioned that this programme has been extended into the other District Associations to build a referee base and they are currently working with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation towards this goal.
SLBRA is to kick start this new educational programme under the guidance of National Institute of Sports
Abeysinghe however said that the ‘day to day minimum pay grade’ to Basketball referees is not very attractive.
Indifference and disregard among the authorities on daily wages of basketball referees may cause serious damage to the sport.
This may also result in a downshift from getting less attraction from new and part-time referees for tournaments.
“We plan to talk to sponsors and try to provide a better ‘incentive’ for referees.
He also mentioned that any individual who has played basketball can join SLBRA as a level 2 referee and develop their talent to become a national referee.
Meanwhile Rupasinghe former Anandian cager was re-elected as the President of Sri Lanka Basketball Referees’ Association during the recent AGM.
Sudesh is an outstanding sportsman and the elder son of former Asia and Sri Lanka Bodybuilder Late Robert Rupasinghe.
Rupasinghe held key positions in many national sport bodies including basketball and athletics. He has been an innovative and popular sports administrator.
Following at the office bearers:
President - Sudesh Rupasinghe
Secretary - Thusitha Yatigammana
Vice Presidents - Buddhika Kumudapperuma / Channa Perera
Assistant Secretary - Eran Sudharsha
Assignment Secretary - Ranil Suranga
Treasurer – G. Buddhika
Committee Members:
Ajith Kumara, Janaka Fernando, Christopher Karunasinghe, Charitha Dodangoda, Sujeewa Wijeweera and Pradeep Lakmal
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