Executives in the Bahamas Basketball Federation (BBF) will decide today if the coaches certification clinic will be extended until Sunday.
The 32 participants have two sessions today, in addition to two sessions to make up for Friday due to Hurricane Sandy. They will have to complete all the required sessions before sitting the exam, so they can be awarded the Level I and II coaches certifications. The BBF's executives are hoping to "catch up" on all the work in today's session. If they are unsuccessful, the course, sanctioned by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), will be extended to Sunday.
"The course was supposed to wrap-up on Saturday but we may have to extend until Sunday," said Mario Bowleg, 1st vice president in the BBF. "Luckily, we were able to get work in on that Wednesday and Thursday. The session on Wednesday was very successful. I think we stayed in there for [over] two hours, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. On Thursday we got started at about 9 a.m., so classes were held. It is just a matter of us catching up on the work so we can wrap it up."
The first session was held on Wednesday at C.C. Sweeting Senior High School and on Thursday at The College of The Bahamas. Coach Julio Lamas of Argentina is conducting the course. He is assisted by Edwin Pena from Puerto Rico.
Bowleg said: "Due to the storm, we decided to cancel Friday, but participants were asked to review the notes and prepare for the exam. We will make up for Friday with three sessions on Saturday, instead of the two that had been planned. We will give the exam if not Saturday night, then first thing Sunday morning.
"Even though we have had 32 persons attending so far, we are still a bit disappointed. Of the 32 persons, only nine are representing the junior and high school system. This course is very important. We want persons to come out and participate; it is not too late. So I want to encourage persons, especially those coaches in the high school system. There were more night league and club coaches."
The BBF plans to host more clinics in an attempt to improve the level of play in the country.
Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian
