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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

Purpose: This module establishes standardized communication protocols for referees when using the Instant Replay System (IRS) to ensure consistency, clarity, and professionalism across all FIBA competitions.

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

SHOT
EOQ OR EOG
OUT-OF-BOUNDS
VIOLATION of
the SHOOTER
SHOT CLOCK
VIOLATION of
the SHOOTER
8 SEC
VIOLATION of
the SHOOTER
FOUL
EOQ OR EOG *

4 - Last 2 minutes, 4th quarter / overtime

SHOT CLOCK
VIOLATION
SHOT vs FOUL
OFF BALL
OUT OF
BOUNDS
GOALTENDING &
INTERFERENCE *

7 - Anytime during the game

2 or 3
POINTS
2 or 3
FREE THROWS
PF, UF, DQF
Up- or
Downgrade
TIME
GAME &
SHOT CLOCK
IDENTIFY
FREE-THROW
SHOOTER
IDENTIFY
FIGHT or
VIOLENCE
CORRECTABLE ERROR CASES (Art.44)
Note: Red dashed borders (🔴) indicate the most common cases. Each situation requires specific standardized communication phrases per FIBA IRS Communication Guidelines v2.0, February 2025.

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]"

Important: Always use the standard introduction "We are going to review..." followed by the specific subject matter. This creates consistency and clarity for all stakeholders.

3.2 Communication During Review

Primary Rule: Minimal communication during the actual review process unless absolutely necessary.

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

Structure: All post-review announcements follow this format:
"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

📚 What's Coming Next: The following slides contain essential components to master IRS communication. Each section builds upon the previous one to create complete competency.

📋 Section 1: Special Situations & Best Practices (Slide 10)

Managing Disagreements: Professional protocols for handling protests and disputes
Multiple Reviews: How to communicate when reviewing multiple aspects
Language Considerations: International game communication standards

📝 Section 2: Knowledge Assessment (Slides 11-12)

Part 1 (Slide 11): Questions 1-3 covering basic principles and golden rules
Part 2 (Slide 12): Questions 4-6 covering specific situations and protocols
Answer Key: Complete references to FIBA IRS Guidelines v2.0, February 2025

🎯 Section 3: Quick Reference Materials (Slide 13)

Before Review Table: All standard phrases for pre-review announcements
After Review Table: Decision framework and announcement templates

🎥 Section 4: Video Training Resources (Slide 14)

Video Analysis Tools: Interactive learning platform with real game situations
Training Modules: Communication fundamentals and real game examples
Study Method: 4-step process for mastering IRS communication

📌 Section 5: Take-Home Resources (Slides 15-16)

Summary (Slide 15): Key takeaways and final reminders
Practice Card (Slide 16): Printable reference card with 10 essential phrases and 30-day challenge

💡 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. 1) [First aspect]
  2. 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
Remember: Your communication represents FIBA's commitment to transparency and fairness. Every word matters.

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

Correct Answer: B - Reference: FIBA IRS Communication Guidelines v2.0, February 2025, Section 2, Page 5

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..."

Correct Answer: C - Reference: FIBA IRS Communication Guidelines v2.0, February 2025, Section 3, Page 5

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

Correct Answer: C - Reference: FIBA IRS Communication Guidelines v2.0, February 2025, Section 3.d, Page 5

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"

Correct Answer: B - Reference: FIBA IRS Communication Guidelines v2.0, February 2025, Section 3.10, Page 15

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

Correct Answer: B - Reference: FIBA IRS Communication Guidelines v2.0, February 2025, Section 2, Page 4

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"

Correct Answer: B - Reference: FIBA IRS Communication Guidelines v2.0, February 2025, Section 3.7, Page 12

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

🎥 Interactive Video Learning Platform
Analyze real IRS situations with our comprehensive video library

📊 Video Analysis Components:

🔍 What You'll Analyze in Each Video:

Pre-Review Phase
  • Initial announcement accuracy
  • Timing of communication
  • Body language & positioning
During Review Phase
  • Communication discipline
  • Technical discussions
  • Team management
Post-Review Phase
  • Decision clarity
  • Use of standard phrases
  • Confidence level

📹 Training Videos

🛠️ Video Analysis Tools:

⏱️ Timing Analysis
📝 Phrase Checker
🎯 Accuracy Scoring
📊 Progress Tracking
Study Method:
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
Final Reminder: Consistency is key. Every referee should communicate the same way, every time. This builds trust and credibility in the IRS process.

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

📌 TAKE THIS HOME: Print this card and use it for daily practice. In 30 days, IRS communication will become automatic!

IRS COMMUNICATION MASTERY - REFEREE CARD

📝 THE 10 ESSENTIAL PHRASES:

  1. EOQ: "We are going to review if the red 'led light' appeared before the shot was released"
  2. SCV: "We are going to review if the yellow 'led light' appeared before the shot was released"
  3. 2/3 Points: "We are going to review if the shot was 2 or 3 points"
  4. OOB: "We are going to review which team caused the out-of-bounds"
  5. Clock: "We are going to review malfunction of the: 1) Game Clock 2) Shot Clock"
  6. UF: "We are going to review if the contact meets the criteria of the Unsportsmanlike Foul"
  7. Confirmed: "After review, the initial decision is confirmed. [Outcome]"
  8. Overturned: "After review, the initial decision is overturned. [New outcome]"
  9. Inconclusive: "After review, footage is inconclusive, and the initial decision remains"
  10. Coach's Challenge: "This is a Head Coach's Challenge by [team]. We are going to review..."

⏱️ DAILY PRACTICE (10 min):

Morning
Read aloud
Afternoon
Random practice
Evening
Watch & apply

💡 REMEMBER THE 4 C's

Clear • Concise • Consistent • Confident

🎯 YOUR 30-DAY CHALLENGE:

Week 1: Master phrases 1-5
Week 2: Master phrases 6-10
Week 3: Speed < 5 seconds
Week 4: Full sequence perfect
Quick Test: Cover the phrases above. Can you write all 10 from memory?
If NO → Practice 5 more minutes | If YES → You're game ready!
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