Session 2

I would like to present to you short talk that I had with Steve after our two sessions of the camp in Antalya, that had place in Turkey this year 12-21 June this year. Steve is now back to Canada working, but he is sharing some plans of his in between his other thought.

Marta: So Steve, I have heard that you have some Polish roots. Is this true?

Steven Seibel:  Yes. My mother’s father was Polish, and her mother was half Polish, and growing up we had a lot of Polish traditions. So a lot of pierogi, cabbage rolls and kielbasa. So whenever I think about Poland and Polish people it warms my heart.

Marta:  During the camp we were talking a lot about goals and set up the right goals, and since you are an active referee, do you also have some goals?

Steven:  Yes, I have short term goals and long term goals. My short term goals are always games that I am working, and trying to make sure that I do a good job. And my long term goal is to try to officiate at the highest level that I can. Try to stay fit, do a good job, and be a good partner.

Marta: Now. Something about Dr Ridvan lecture as we also practiced how to achieve your goals. So what are you doing regularly or let’s say daily to keep your goals.

Steven: Well. I learned early on in officiating from a lot of good teachers that you need to do something every day to improve your officiating, whether it is on the fitness side, studying the rules, watching plays, watching games or actually officiating games.  So I continuously try to do this. I am always setting goals and trying to reach them.  I am not always successful but that doesn’t stop me from trying to get better.

Marta: Goals ok, and any dreams? 🙂 or after having 2 Olympic tournaments no more dreams?

Steve: I think you always have to have dreams regardless of past accomplishments.  I have dreams of continuing be trusted at the highest level for as long as I can.

Marta: About yourself. So you have started officiating when you were 28, and this is actually a good story because it gives hope to many referees showing that all you want is possible. Just need to work hard.

Steve: Well again. I found early on if you follow what it is being taught and you buy into it, and you do what is being asked of you, and you follow your passion, and you remember that officiating is for the game of basketball, it is not for you, then you tend to improve and things kind of work out for you.

Marta: What made you start officiating basketball at all?

Steve: I have always had an interest in officiating. I played a lot of sports growing up including elite basketball, and when I started to work as a lawyer, one of the partners at the law firm was an international rugby referee and he suggested I should do something else besides just being a young lawyer.  I went to watch him referee a rugby match and I liked how he was involved in the game, how he played a role at the game, and how he was there to help the game. I love basketball and I love ice hockey. I am not the greatest skater, so I have chosen basketball.

Marta: You just said you are a lawyer. Digging there a bit, how do you coordinate the travels for the games and tournaments with your private life: work and family?

Steve: What really gets sacrificed is vacations. At the end of the day I don’t officiate as much as I would like to.  As a lawyer, I am very busy and fortunate I have my own practice, so I can manage my schedule somewhat, but there are nominations or assignments that I have to turn down because of my professional duties as a lawyer.  And this is ok because I enjoy being a lawyer and this is my job that supports my family.

Marta: What is your vacation plan then?

Steve: As a family we are very busy. My two kids play very high level sports: ice hockey and soccer, and my wife is also very busy as a swim coach, so our vacations will be when we all have short breaks in our schedules.  We don’t often know when these breaks are going to be, so when the opportunity arises we will take advantage of it.  So we don’t have anything defined right now.

Marta: Any big tournament ahead?

Steve: This summer I am officiating as a neutral referee at the Oceania Championships in Australia and New Zealand, and I have been nominated to the Americas’ Championship in Mexico City. Both of course are Olympic qualifiers.

Marta: What do you think about the camp? Would you work with us regularly?

Steve: Absolutely. Without any doubt. The thing that impresses me is that while each and every student may have different levels of experience and they may come from different parts of the world, they all demonstrate a willingness to learn, and they show that they are motivated and they are hungry. I also appreciate that all the things we were teaching weren’t new, but they embraced it and input it into their games, and you could see improvements. That really excites me. Just watching them I feel I learn something as well.

Marta: Last question then. What is your take away from the camp?

Steve: I think the biggest thing is learning from the willingness that all the students demonstrated. You know, when you officiate for a few years, and I haven’t done it for a long time, there comes a point when you are a little bit tired. You have to be honest with yourself. And I feel rejuvenated and motivated coming out of this camp for more years to come.

Thank you.

I would like to present to you short talk that I had with Steve after our two sessions of the camp in Antalya, that had place in Turkey this year 12-21 June this year. Steve is now back to Canada working, but he is sharing some plans of his in between his other thought.

Marta: So Steve, I have heard that you have some Polish roots. Is this true?

Steven Seibel:  Yes. My mother’s father was Polish, and her mother was half Polish, and growing up we had a lot of Polish traditions. So a lot of pierogi, cabbage rolls and kielbasa. So whenever I think about Poland and Polish people it warms my heart.

Marta:  During the camp we were talking a lot about goals and set up the right goals, and since you are an active referee, do you also have some goals?

Steven:  Yes, I have short term goals and long term goals. My short term goals are always games that I am working, and trying to make sure that I do a good job. And my long term goal is to try to officiate at the highest level that I can. Try to stay fit, do a good job, and be a good partner.

Marta: Now. Something about Dr Ridvan lecture as we also practiced how to achieve your goals. So what are you doing regularly or let’s say daily to keep your goals.

Steven: Well. I learned early on in officiating from a lot of good teachers that you need to do something every day to improve your officiating, whether it is on the fitness side, studying the rules, watching plays, watching games or actually officiating games.  So I continuously try to do this. I am always setting goals and trying to reach them.  I am not always successful but that doesn’t stop me from trying to get better.

Marta: Goals ok, and any dreams? 🙂 or after having 2 Olympic tournaments no more dreams?

Steve: I think you always have to have dreams regardless of past accomplishments.  I have dreams of continuing be trusted at the highest level for as long as I can.

Marta: About yourself. So you have started officiating when you were 28, and this is actually a good story because it gives hope to many referees showing that all you want is possible. Just need to work hard.

Steve: Well again. I found early on if you follow what it is being taught and you buy into it, and you do what is being asked of you, and you follow your passion, and you remember that officiating is for the game of basketball, it is not for you, then you tend to improve and things kind of work out for you.

Marta: What made you start officiating basketball at all?

Steve: I have always had an interest in officiating. I played a lot of sports growing up including elite basketball, and when I started to work as a lawyer, one of the partners at the law firm was an international rugby referee and he suggested I should do something else besides just being a young lawyer.  I went to watch him referee a rugby match and I liked how he was involved in the game, how he played a role at the game, and how he was there to help the game. I love basketball and I love ice hockey. I am not the greatest skater, so I have chosen basketball.

Marta: You just said you are a lawyer. Digging there a bit, how do you coordinate the travels for the games and tournaments with your private life: work and family?

Steve: What really gets sacrificed is vacations. At the end of the day I don’t officiate as much as I would like to.  As a lawyer, I am very busy and fortunate I have my own practice, so I can manage my schedule somewhat, but there are nominations or assignments that I have to turn down because of my professional duties as a lawyer.  And this is ok because I enjoy being a lawyer and this is my job that supports my family.

Marta: What is your vacation plan then?

Steve: As a family we are very busy. My two kids play very high level sports: ice hockey and soccer, and my wife is also very busy as a swim coach, so our vacations will be when we all have short breaks in our schedules.  We don’t often know when these breaks are going to be, so when the opportunity arises we will take advantage of it.  So we don’t have anything defined right now.

Marta: Any big tournament ahead?

Steve: This summer I am officiating as a neutral referee at the Oceania Championships in Australia and New Zealand, and I have been nominated to the Americas’ Championship in Mexico City. Both of course are Olympic qualifiers.

Marta: What do you think about the camp? Would you work with us regularly?

Steve: Absolutely. Without any doubt. The thing that impresses me is that while each and every student may have different levels of experience and they may come from different parts of the world, they all demonstrate a willingness to learn, and they show that they are motivated and they are hungry. I also appreciate that all the things we were teaching weren’t new, but they embraced it and input it into their games, and you could see improvements. That really excites me. Just watching them I feel I learn something as well.

Marta: Last question then. What is your take away from the camp?

Steve: I think the biggest thing is learning from the willingness that all the students demonstrated. You know, when you officiate for a few years, and I haven’t done it for a long time, there comes a point when you are a little bit tired. You have to be honest with yourself. And I feel rejuvenated and motivated coming out of this camp for more years to come.

Thank you.

I would like to present to you short talk that I had with Steve after our two sessions of the camp in Antalya, that had place in Turkey this year 12-21 June this year. Steve is now back to Canada working, but he is sharing some plans of his in between his other thought.

Marta: So Steve, I have heard that you have some Polish roots. Is this true?

Steven Seibel:  Yes. My mother’s father was Polish, and her mother was half Polish, and growing up we had a lot of Polish traditions. So a lot of pierogi, cabbage rolls and kielbasa. So whenever I think about Poland and Polish people it warms my heart.

Marta:  During the camp we were talking a lot about goals and set up the right goals, and since you are an active referee, do you also have some goals?

Steven:  Yes, I have short term goals and long term goals. My short term goals are always games that I am working, and trying to make sure that I do a good job. And my long term goal is to try to officiate at the highest level that I can. Try to stay fit, do a good job, and be a good partner.

Marta: Now. Something about Dr Ridvan lecture as we also practiced how to achieve your goals. So what are you doing regularly or let’s say daily to keep your goals.

Steven: Well. I learned early on in officiating from a lot of good teachers that you need to do something every day to improve your officiating, whether it is on the fitness side, studying the rules, watching plays, watching games or actually officiating games.  So I continuously try to do this. I am always setting goals and trying to reach them.  I am not always successful but that doesn’t stop me from trying to get better.

Marta: Goals ok, and any dreams? 🙂 or after having 2 Olympic tournaments no more dreams?

Steve: I think you always have to have dreams regardless of past accomplishments.  I have dreams of continuing be trusted at the highest level for as long as I can.

Marta: About yourself. So you have started officiating when you were 28, and this is actually a good story because it gives hope to many referees showing that all you want is possible. Just need to work hard.

Steve: Well again. I found early on if you follow what it is being taught and you buy into it, and you do what is being asked of you, and you follow your passion, and you remember that officiating is for the game of basketball, it is not for you, then you tend to improve and things kind of work out for you.

Marta: What made you start officiating basketball at all?

Steve: I have always had an interest in officiating. I played a lot of sports growing up including elite basketball, and when I started to work as a lawyer, one of the partners at the law firm was an international rugby referee and he suggested I should do something else besides just being a young lawyer.  I went to watch him referee a rugby match and I liked how he was involved in the game, how he played a role at the game, and how he was there to help the game. I love basketball and I love ice hockey. I am not the greatest skater, so I have chosen basketball.

Marta: You just said you are a lawyer. Digging there a bit, how do you coordinate the travels for the games and tournaments with your private life: work and family?

Steve: What really gets sacrificed is vacations. At the end of the day I don’t officiate as much as I would like to.  As a lawyer, I am very busy and fortunate I have my own practice, so I can manage my schedule somewhat, but there are nominations or assignments that I have to turn down because of my professional duties as a lawyer.  And this is ok because I enjoy being a lawyer and this is my job that supports my family.

Marta: What is your vacation plan then?

Steve: As a family we are very busy. My two kids play very high level sports: ice hockey and soccer, and my wife is also very busy as a swim coach, so our vacations will be when we all have short breaks in our schedules.  We don’t often know when these breaks are going to be, so when the opportunity arises we will take advantage of it.  So we don’t have anything defined right now.

Marta: Any big tournament ahead?

Steve: This summer I am officiating as a neutral referee at the Oceania Championships in Australia and New Zealand, and I have been nominated to the Americas’ Championship in Mexico City. Both of course are Olympic qualifiers.

Marta: What do you think about the camp? Would you work with us regularly?

Steve: Absolutely. Without any doubt. The thing that impresses me is that while each and every student may have different levels of experience and they may come from different parts of the world, they all demonstrate a willingness to learn, and they show that they are motivated and they are hungry. I also appreciate that all the things we were teaching weren’t new, but they embraced it and input it into their games, and you could see improvements. That really excites me. Just watching them I feel I learn something as well.

Marta: Last question then. What is your take away from the camp?

Steve: I think the biggest thing is learning from the willingness that all the students demonstrated. You know, when you officiate for a few years, and I haven’t done it for a long time, there comes a point when you are a little bit tired. You have to be honest with yourself. And I feel rejuvenated and motivated coming out of this camp for more years to come.

Thank you.

Werner Blanke . People know and like him amongst others, because he was the first and only one who showed “yellow cards” in basketball instead of giving technical fouls.

Player, coach, referee, now commissioner was present at the Basketball Referee’s Camp in Bydgoszcz 2005.

Marta Seweryn (MS) How do you like the East Meets West? Do you think this is a good place for refs to practice?

Werner Blanke (WB) For me it was the best ref-clinic I ever participated in – in about 25 years!

M.S. Is it hard to comment games and all refs decisions live?

W.B. It is not hard but tiring, because you take on responsibility and the refs trust you completely.

M.S. Do you think it is helpful for refs after game to look at the tape and listen to yours suggestions? Is this a best form of learning?

W.B. It is one of the best forms of learning. Another form is the direct action discussion with the refs and the commissioner and/or observer. In a clinic like in Bydgoszcz the immediate observing near the court was truly excellent and very helpful. All refs participating were among the most famous ref-teachers in the world, Alan Richardson (GB) and Tommy Nunez (USA) of different professional basketball-philosophies: ULEB and NBA. They’re not too different!

M.S. You are a commissioner now, and what else connected with basketball and refereeing you do?

W.B. I started very late as a referee with 36 years after my job as a woman-coach in the first German league. I had a special kind of refereeing, because I felt like I was on the side of everyone in the gym, also the spectators – people like that and I can say that I never had problems with anyone. The most important thing is to gain respect and to meet with general acceptance. Of course you must know the rules, laws, regulations, interpretations and the game-know-how very well. The best referees have insights into human nature, are well informed about psychology, basketball-philosophy, and they are intelligent people in excellent physical condition.

Unfortunately I finished my career when I was 50. Till today I still referee in the 4th league. That is good, because I am inside of the game with all the changing rules and techniques.

M.S. You are a referee, but you were also a player and a coach. Which of that you like the most? What is the most interesting for you?

W.B. All activities you can not compare. Every ref should know about coaching and practicing and it would be great, if he was a good player or if he had a good basketball teacher. I liked all areas.

M.S. Do you think that your work as a former player and coach helped you with refereeing and now is helping you with work with refs?

W.B. Of course! As I said before.:)

M.S. What in you opinion is the crucial thing that referee has always remember of?

W.B. To obtain acceptance! An official’s greatest virtue is consistency. It is important to try to call the same play the same way, irrespective of the stage of the game or other pressures. The best officials have an easy authority, a rapport with players and coaches, the ability to keep a calm and steady presence in the most demanding circumstances, a thorough understanding of the game and acute powers of observation. Also in addition you need “deadpan humor” (very important)! That’s’ all.

M.S. As a commissioner you take a part in preparation refs to the season. How is it in Germany? Do you use common ways or maybe some special practice?

W.B. A commissioner is only one part of the crew and the game. He is responsible primarily for the smooth running of the scorers table and for helping the referees in confusing situations. He has full authority to resolve any problems that may arise between the organizers, team and referees. In particular he has the right to require that the organizers arrange adequate police and/or security presence to ensure and sportsmanlike running of the game. He must see to it that the competition is conducted in compliance with the spirit and the letter of the Official Basketball Rules and the regulations and bye-laws.

A commissioner has nothing to do with preparing the refs for the season. But I do it of course. I am a private basketball teacher and help young referees to advance to the top. In a lot of games I lead with them many games, priority in higher leagues. Consequently I can give them feedback then and there. Usually, and I am sad to say, the German refs only have one day-clinic in a year – that’s all! There are only 3 private clinics for selected refs in the northern part of Germany I do together with a pupil of mine, who is the director of refs in the 3rd northern league. We are the only ones who take care of young German referees.

M.S. What is the feeling that some of yours refs become FIBA, some of them getting ready for international licenses in near future? Do you feel full as a teacher?

W.B. Like I told before, the most of “my refs” get international licenses. It’s hard, and sometimes a long way. There were refs, where people thought they would never be good referees. But this is a challenge of me. I never took money for my “work”, because I think an old hand must help. I feel great when they get higher licenses and nominations.

M.S. What do you think about ladies on the court?:) Do they need different way of learn? Can women be the same good as men in refereeing? Why female referees are not so popular?

W.B. I have 4 female students and also some of them have gotten the highest license. Another is now the first and only FIBA-ref in Germany. We need ladies on the court! After 2 or 3 years they need different ways of learning. But I don’t like female refs who are not themselves or trying to be like a man! They should show that they are feminine. Sometimes they have better and distinct potent. Unfortunately in Germany they don’t get the chance to referee in the top man-leagues. I am fighting for that!

M.S. Which change of rules during last 30 years you like? Which in you opinion is the most useful for the game?

W.B. For me the best changing rules are the 24″, 8″ and the 3-point-line.

M.S. You told me you would like to come to East Meets West next year?

W.B. Of course I would like to come. It was a great experience!

Werner Blanke . People know and like him amongst others, because he was the first and only one who showed “yellow cards” in basketball instead of giving technical fouls.

Player, coach, referee, now commissioner was present at the Basketball Referee’s Camp in Bydgoszcz 2005.

Marta Seweryn (MS) How do you like the East Meets West? Do you think this is a good place for refs to practice?

Werner Blanke (WB) For me it was the best ref-clinic I ever participated in – in about 25 years!

M.S. Is it hard to comment games and all refs decisions live?

W.B. It is not hard but tiring, because you take on responsibility and the refs trust you completely.

M.S. Do you think it is helpful for refs after game to look at the tape and listen to yours suggestions? Is this a best form of learning?

W.B. It is one of the best forms of learning. Another form is the direct action discussion with the refs and the commissioner and/or observer. In a clinic like in Bydgoszcz the immediate observing near the court was truly excellent and very helpful. All refs participating were among the most famous ref-teachers in the world, Alan Richardson (GB) and Tommy Nunez (USA) of different professional basketball-philosophies: ULEB and NBA. They’re not too different!

M.S. You are a commissioner now, and what else connected with basketball and refereeing you do?

W.B. I started very late as a referee with 36 years after my job as a woman-coach in the first German league. I had a special kind of refereeing, because I felt like I was on the side of everyone in the gym, also the spectators – people like that and I can say that I never had problems with anyone. The most important thing is to gain respect and to meet with general acceptance. Of course you must know the rules, laws, regulations, interpretations and the game-know-how very well. The best referees have insights into human nature, are well informed about psychology, basketball-philosophy, and they are intelligent people in excellent physical condition.

Unfortunately I finished my career when I was 50. Till today I still referee in the 4th league. That is good, because I am inside of the game with all the changing rules and techniques.

M.S. You are a referee, but you were also a player and a coach. Which of that you like the most? What is the most interesting for you?

W.B. All activities you can not compare. Every ref should know about coaching and practicing and it would be great, if he was a good player or if he had a good basketball teacher. I liked all areas.

M.S. Do you think that your work as a former player and coach helped you with refereeing and now is helping you with work with refs?

W.B. Of course! As I said before.:)

M.S. What in you opinion is the crucial thing that referee has always remember of?

W.B. To obtain acceptance! An official’s greatest virtue is consistency. It is important to try to call the same play the same way, irrespective of the stage of the game or other pressures. The best officials have an easy authority, a rapport with players and coaches, the ability to keep a calm and steady presence in the most demanding circumstances, a thorough understanding of the game and acute powers of observation. Also in addition you need “deadpan humor” (very important)! That’s’ all.

M.S. As a commissioner you take a part in preparation refs to the season. How is it in Germany? Do you use common ways or maybe some special practice?

W.B. A commissioner is only one part of the crew and the game. He is responsible primarily for the smooth running of the scorers table and for helping the referees in confusing situations. He has full authority to resolve any problems that may arise between the organizers, team and referees. In particular he has the right to require that the organizers arrange adequate police and/or security presence to ensure and sportsmanlike running of the game. He must see to it that the competition is conducted in compliance with the spirit and the letter of the Official Basketball Rules and the regulations and bye-laws.

A commissioner has nothing to do with preparing the refs for the season. But I do it of course. I am a private basketball teacher and help young referees to advance to the top. In a lot of games I lead with them many games, priority in higher leagues. Consequently I can give them feedback then and there. Usually, and I am sad to say, the German refs only have one day-clinic in a year – that’s all! There are only 3 private clinics for selected refs in the northern part of Germany I do together with a pupil of mine, who is the director of refs in the 3rd northern league. We are the only ones who take care of young German referees.

M.S. What is the feeling that some of yours refs become FIBA, some of them getting ready for international licenses in near future? Do you feel full as a teacher?

W.B. Like I told before, the most of “my refs” get international licenses. It’s hard, and sometimes a long way. There were refs, where people thought they would never be good referees. But this is a challenge of me. I never took money for my “work”, because I think an old hand must help. I feel great when they get higher licenses and nominations.

M.S. What do you think about ladies on the court?:) Do they need different way of learn? Can women be the same good as men in refereeing? Why female referees are not so popular?

W.B. I have 4 female students and also some of them have gotten the highest license. Another is now the first and only FIBA-ref in Germany. We need ladies on the court! After 2 or 3 years they need different ways of learning. But I don’t like female refs who are not themselves or trying to be like a man! They should show that they are feminine. Sometimes they have better and distinct potent. Unfortunately in Germany they don’t get the chance to referee in the top man-leagues. I am fighting for that!

M.S. Which change of rules during last 30 years you like? Which in you opinion is the most useful for the game?

W.B. For me the best changing rules are the 24″, 8″ and the 3-point-line.

M.S. You told me you would like to come to East Meets West next year?

W.B. Of course I would like to come. It was a great experience!