Matthew Beattie, Matthew Townsend and James Boyer are three of several Australian technical officials selected by FIBA to officiate upcoming international competitions.
Beattie and Townsend have been chosen to referee the FIBA U19 Men’s Basketball World Cup 2017, 1 – 9 July 2017 in Cairo (Egypt) whilst Boyer has been chosen to officiate the 29th Summer Universiade, 19 – 30 August 2017 in Taipei (TPE).
Beattie (FIBA-active since 2009) is a 215 NBL game veteran. This will be his 2nd World Championship after officiating at the U19 FIBA Women’s World Championships in Chile in 2011. Matt was also fortunate to work the NBA Summer League in 2015, the Stankovic Cup in 2014 and some junior European Championships.
“Being nominated for this event means a lot. I’ve worked hard to put myself in a position to be selected for these types of tournaments. To be recognised in the same company as some very talented officials from across the world is very satisfying” Beattie told Basketball NSW.
In preparing for the World Championships Matt added “I will be working hard over the next 2 months to get my body “tournament ready”. I’ll be in the gym and on the road getting my k’s up doing 2 sessions a day, 5 times a week with a focus on muscular endurance and performance. I’ll have my head in the rule book to fine tune my rule knowledge and of course, I’ll be working Waratah games every weekend in the lead up”.
Townsend (FIBA-active since 2009) is another NBL veteran with 224 games. Matt has previously officiated at the Stankovic Cup, FIBA Oceania U17 Oceania Championships plus numerous international friendly games played in Australia. When speaking with Basketball NSW Matt said “I am ecstatic to have been selected. It is an honour to represent the Australian refereeing fraternity and I am looking forward to what will be an exciting experience”.
Boyer (FIBA-active since 2009) adjudicated the 2015 FIBA Europe Under-20 Men’s Championship in Lignano, Italy and also has experience at both the NBL and WNBL level. “I am very humbled by the nomination and proud and excited to represent my State and Country on the International Stage”, said James.
“This is a fantastic achievement for our officials. They have all worked tirelessly over many years having progressed through the NSW referee program and into the Basketball Australia/International arena. We are very proud of the success they have achieved.” said Basketball NSW Senior Manager Technical and Events Debbie Keirs.