FIBA IRS COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES
FIBA REFEREE TRAINING
Based on FIBA IRS Communication Guidelines v2.0
February 2025
By Dr. Samir ABAAKIL
FIBA Instructor
Founder LeadershipAcademy4All
Learn • Lead • Inspire
LeadershipAcademy4All.com
© 2025 LeadershipAcademy4All. All Rights Reserved.
1. Introduction
Key Objectives
- Standardize referee communication during IRS reviews
- Enhance transparency for all stakeholders
- Maintain game flow and minimize confusion
- Ensure professional and consistent messaging
🏆 GOLDEN RULE: « Less is More »
Keep communication clear, concise, and to the point
Document Scope
These guidelines apply to all FIBA competitions where IRS is implemented, including:
- World Cups
- Continental Championships
- Olympic Qualifying Tournaments
- All other FIBA-sanctioned events with IRS
1. Reviewable Situations
5 – End of quarter / overtime
EOQ OR EOG
VIOLATION of
the SHOOTER
VIOLATION of
the SHOOTER
VIOLATION of
the SHOOTER
EOQ OR EOG *
4 – Last 2 minutes, 4th quarter / overtime
VIOLATION
OFF BALL
BOUNDS
INTERFERENCE *
7 – Anytime during the game
POINTS
FREE THROWS
Up- or
Downgrade
GAME &
SHOT CLOCK
FREE-THROW
SHOOTER
FIGHT or
VIOLENCE
2. General Communication Principles
The 4 C’s of IRS Communication
Clear • Concise • Consistent • Confident
2.1 Clear Communication
- Use simple, unambiguous language
- Avoid technical jargon unless necessary
- Speak at a measured pace
- Ensure proper microphone positioning and volume
2.2 Concise Messaging
- State only essential information
- Avoid unnecessary explanations
- Follow the « Less is More » principle
- Use standardized phrases whenever possible
2.3 Consistent Application
- Use the same phrases for similar situations
- Maintain uniformity across all referees
- Follow established protocols without deviation
2.4 Confident Delivery
- Speak with authority and conviction
- Maintain professional body language
- Make eye contact when appropriate
- Project voice clearly to all stakeholders
3.1 Communication Before Review
⚠️ Use EXACT wording as specified below – Do NOT paraphrase
End of Quarter (EOQ) Review
Say: « We are going to review if the red ‘led light’ appeared before:
- 1) Shot was released
- 2) Foul was committed »
Shot Clock Violation (SCV) Review
Say: « We are going to review if the yellow ‘led light’ appeared before the shot was released »
Goaltending – Basket Interference Review
Say: « We are going to review whether:
- 1) Goaltending violation or
- 2) Basket Interference violation was called correctly »
Out-of-Bounds Review
Say: « We are going to review which team caused the out-of-bounds (OOB) »
2-3 Points Review
Say: « We are going to review if the shot was 2 or 3 points »
3.1 Communication Before Review (Continued)
Unsportsmanlike Foul Review
Say: « We are going to review if the contact meets the criteria of the Unsportsmanlike Foul / UF »
Clock Malfunction Review
Say: « We are going to review malfunction of the:
- 1) Game Clock
- 2) Shot Clock »
Act of Violence Review
Say: « We are going to review if the contact meets the criteria of Act of Violence »
Head Coach’s Challenge
Say: « This is a Head Coach’s Challenge by [team color/name]. We are going to review… [continue with the relevant topic from above] »
3.2 Communication During Review
When Communication IS Needed During Review:
1. Technical Delays
Say: « We are experiencing technical difficulties. Please stand by. »
2. Extended Review Time
Say: « The review is ongoing. Thank you for your patience. »
3. Player Identification
When identifying players involved:
- Use team color and number: « Blue number 23 »
- Avoid using player names
- Be consistent with team color designations throughout the game
3.3 Communication After Review
« After review, [DECISION + OUTCOME] »
Standard Post-Review Announcements:
Confirmed Decision
Say: « After review, the initial decision is confirmed. [State the outcome] »
Example: « After review, the initial decision is confirmed. Blue ball. »
Overturned Decision
Say: « After review, the initial decision is overturned. [State new outcome] »
Example: « After review, the initial decision is overturned. White ball. »
Inconclusive Review
Say: « After review, footage is inconclusive, and the initial decision remains. »
Clock Adjustments
Say: « After review, the game clock will be set to [X minutes/seconds] »
AND/OR
« After review, the shot clock will be set to [X seconds] »
Head Coach’s Challenge Result
Successful: « After review, the Head Coach’s Challenge is successful. [State new decision] »
Unsuccessful: « After review, the Head Coach’s Challenge is unsuccessful. The initial decision is confirmed. »
Training Module Structure Overview
📋 Section 1: Special Situations & Best Practices (Slide 10)
📝 Section 2: Knowledge Assessment (Slides 11-12)
🎯 Section 3: Quick Reference Materials (Slide 13)
🎥 Section 4: Video Training Resources (Slide 14)
📌 Section 5: Take-Home Resources (Slides 15-16)
💡 Learning Path
Theory → Assessment → Reference → Practice → Mastery
4. Special Situations & Best Practices
Managing Disagreements
If coaches/players protest:
- Remain calm and professional
- Do not engage in debates
- Simply state: « The decision after review is final »
- If persistent, involve game commissioner
Multiple Reviews in Sequence
When reviewing multiple aspects of the same play:
Say: « We are going to review:
- 1) [First aspect]
- 2) [Second aspect] »
After: Address each aspect separately in the announcement
Language Considerations
- In international games, use English as the primary language
- Speak slowly and clearly for non-native speakers
- Use standard FIBA terminology only
- Avoid colloquialisms or regional expressions
Assessment – Part 1
Q1. What is the golden rule of IRS communication?
A) Speak loudly and clearly
B) Less is More
C) Always explain your decision
D) Use technical terminology
Q2. What phrase should begin all pre-review announcements?
A) « We will check… »
B) « We need to see… »
C) « We are going to review… »
D) « Let’s look at… »
Q3. How should referees identify players during review?
A) By player name
B) By position
C) By team color and number
D) By team name and number
Assessment – Part 2
Q4. What should you say when footage is inconclusive?
A) « We cannot determine from the video »
B) « After review, footage is inconclusive, and the initial decision remains »
C) « The video is not clear enough »
D) « Original call stands »
Q5. What are the 4 C’s of IRS Communication?
A) Clear, Complete, Correct, Confident
B) Clear, Concise, Consistent, Confident
C) Clear, Concise, Complete, Calm
D) Correct, Consistent, Complete, Confident
Q6. How should you announce a clock adjustment?
A) « Clock needs to be fixed »
B) « After review, the game clock will be set to [X minutes/seconds] »
C) « Time adjustment required »
D) « We’re changing the time »
Quick Reference Card
BEFORE REVIEW – Standard Phrases
| Situation | Exact Phrase |
|---|---|
| EOQ | « We are going to review if the red ‘led light’ appeared before… » |
| Shot Clock | « We are going to review if the yellow ‘led light’ appeared before the shot was released » |
| 2-3 Points | « We are going to review if the shot was 2 or 3 points » |
| Out-of-Bounds | « We are going to review which team caused the out-of-bounds » |
| UF | « We are going to review if the contact meets the criteria of the Unsportsmanlike Foul » |
AFTER REVIEW – Decision Framework
| Result | Announcement |
|---|---|
| Confirmed | « After review, the initial decision is confirmed. [Outcome] » |
| Overturned | « After review, the initial decision is overturned. [New outcome] » |
| Inconclusive | « After review, footage is inconclusive, and the initial decision remains » |
Video Training Resources & Analysis Tools
Analyze real IRS situations with our comprehensive video library
📊 Video Analysis Components:
🔍 What You’ll Analyze in Each Video:
- Initial announcement accuracy
- Timing of communication
- Body language & positioning
- Communication discipline
- Technical discussions
- Team management
- Decision clarity
- Use of standard phrases
- Confidence level
📹 Training Videos
🛠️ Video Analysis Tools:
1. Watch video without sound – predict the communication
2. Watch with sound – compare with your prediction
3. Identify errors and correct them
4. Practice the correct version 3 times
Summary
Remember: « Less is More »
Clear • Concise • Consistent • Confident
Key Takeaways:
- ✅ Always use standardized FIBA phrases
- ✅ Begin reviews with « We are going to review… »
- ✅ Start post-review with « After review… »
- ✅ Identify players by color and number only
- ✅ Keep communication minimal during review
- ✅ Remain professional when managing disagreements
- ✅ Speak clearly for international audiences
Thank You!
FIBA IRS Communication Training
Learn • Lead • Inspire
Dr. Samir ABAAKIL
FIBA Instructor | Founder LeadershipAcademy4All
© 2025 LeadershipAcademy4All. All Rights Reserved.
Annexe – Your IRS Communication Practice Card
IRS COMMUNICATION MASTERY – REFEREE CARD
📝 THE 10 ESSENTIAL PHRASES:
- EOQ: « We are going to review if the red ‘led light’ appeared before the shot was released »
- SCV: « We are going to review if the yellow ‘led light’ appeared before the shot was released »
- 2/3 Points: « We are going to review if the shot was 2 or 3 points »
- OOB: « We are going to review which team caused the out-of-bounds »
- Clock: « We are going to review malfunction of the: 1) Game Clock 2) Shot Clock »
- UF: « We are going to review if the contact meets the criteria of the Unsportsmanlike Foul »
- Confirmed: « After review, the initial decision is confirmed. [Outcome] »
- Overturned: « After review, the initial decision is overturned. [New outcome] »
- Inconclusive: « After review, footage is inconclusive, and the initial decision remains »
- Coach’s Challenge: « This is a Head Coach’s Challenge by [team]. We are going to review… »
⏱️ DAILY PRACTICE (10 min):
Read aloud
Random practice
Watch & apply
💡 REMEMBER THE 4 C’s
Clear • Concise • Consistent • Confident
🎯 YOUR 30-DAY CHALLENGE:
If NO → Practice 5 more minutes | If YES → You’re game ready!
