The camp this year was divided into a 2 & 3-person camp, and all who went from Quebec tested the waters on the 3-person side. We were 13 Quebec referee’s that went, and we took over this Toronto camp and represented at least 1/4 of the total camp attendees this year, which was a tremendous increase from just a few last years. Four were from COBB,1 was from Laval, and then 8 of us from MMBRA. We were Neda Couch Nowshad, Anita Cross fit Quintana, Chanez G.S Padawan Saheb, Shawn never ages Alleyne, Eric Focker Lam, Matthew looks homeless Couto, D.J Jamall Fisher and Robert M.C Shaul. MMBRA was also represented on the camp staff side of things by our very own FIBA certified, nationally known, and the sometimes-tougher supervisor (but that’s what we love about you, you tell us how we need to hear it to get better) the man of “Steill” himself, who need no introduction.
The 4-day weekend camp was set to begin the Thursday evening, so almost all of us left that morning in multiple vehicles to make in time for the 5:30pm registration of the camp. However, there were two refs that got the jump on the rest and drove down the day before. One of us had the luxury of a faster mode of transportation with that being of a long tubular design, with many windows, wings and an engine or two. While the rest of us 11 officials, had to head out on the long, sometimes 6-hour journey (can be done in 5 to 5&1/2 hours, unless Greg is driving, then it’s a day) to Toronto.
We all arrived at Toronto just in time for the opening of the camp, with the evening beginning around 6:15 with introductions and then it went into many different presentations with many big name presenters from all over the country. Starting with Mike Bartlett (CEO of Canada Basketball), followed by Dr. Ardavan Eizadirad (Author, Assistant Professor at Wilfrid Laurier University who is an International Wheelchair Referee as well and more). It then went to different representatives from the Ontario Basketball Association (James Buhlman, Ryan Xavier and Eric Jordan), to OUA Supervisor (Dave Maxim), and then the first evening finishing with a great presentation from an NBA Official, Matt Myers. Following the very informative evening, late dinner and drinks were served to all Quebec Officials at an amazing Canadian establishment (Jack Astors) to us then partaking into a great evening of fun stories, experiences and beverages.
Friday was the free for all day! Following a very long evening of excitement the night before, many of us slept in late. I was up early, did the beep test twice, worked out, did a self mechanics session in the mirror for 45 min, watched the Usport Final on my computer and made notes where the crew could improve and waiting for those others who were not as serious about the camp as I to get out of bed……
After all alarms went off, a few went on their own to explore the “great” city of Toronto and eat at their first ever 5-star dinning experience for lunch which went into the second evening of great presentations from the Director of Officials from the CEBL (Guy Cipriani), to our very own man of Steill , to a pro/semi-pro National Official (Chris Delaney), followed by John McFarland (who has way too many titles), and then once again to end the evening, a different presentation from NBA Referee Matt Myers.
Saturday and Sunday were game days where for the most part we were partnered up with officials from other associations from across the country, there were a couple games refereed by at least 2 or 3 MMBRA officials together, but we were pretty much always paired with officials from other regions & associations. These game days tough were filled with very informative and learning opportunities for us all. In doing extensive pre-games with our partners (which was a must prior to each game), to being given direct feedback on the floor at some time outs and during intervals of play. To finally, after every game having multiple supervisors come back into the room and go over tape, things we all did good and things we could improve on. This is where all of us learned the most.
I’m proud to say that our next generation of Quebec officials showed well, and we are all looking forward to great careers.
All in all, it was a fun and great learning experience for all of us and most of us would do it again for all the learning opportunities and experiences gained! All the supervisors & coaches were great to meet with and get feedback from. Talk privately with after games if they were available, to then take personal feedback from one-on-one or to just ask questions. Overall, all of us MMBRA officials would say we had a pretty great experience if you asked us individually. Don’t be afraid to branch out, meet new officials, create new memories, and if you can travel to officiate, that’s where some of the greatest experiences are gained, away from home! #Fishbowl
…Oh yeah, we all made it back safely but super late that Sunday night, if any of you were wondering. :)
Collectively written by the group on the ride home
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