Umpires urged to be impartial

JAMES KGOSI
Correspondent | Tuesday April 16, 2013 00:00

Speaking during a two-day umpiring clinic for North/North Central secondary school teachers held at Selebi-Phikwe Secondary School recently, Dire urged teachers to be neutral and let players' performances on the field of play decide the outcome of the games. 'Let teams win on merit and not because referees played a role in ensuring they won,' he said.  He expressed hope that the skills imparted to participants will enable them to confidently handle games impartially.

He urged participants to take their players on board by teaching them the rules of the game. Presenting on the rules of the game, National Referee and North Central Volleyball coordinator, Daniel Tshume encouraged participants to familiarise themselves with the rules of the game. He urged them to access the latest rules and regulations from the volleyball's governing body, Federation International Volleyball's (FIVB) website, www.fivb.org. He said knowledge of the rules would help them to discharge their duties without fear or favour.

Tshume said although they would enforce most of the FIVB rules, some will not be applied in Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA) sanctioned competitions.  'In order to fully develop players, libero will not be used, intentional kicking and heading the ball will not be allowed,' he said. Meanwhile, participants backed BISA's zonal teams competitions initiative. They said the initiative would help enhance chances of selecting the finest players to represent Botswana. Under the initiative, each zone will select its best players who will go into camp before competing with other zonal teams and the best players selected for the national team.  At least 100 teachers attended the umpiring clinic.