By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

THE BANMI Referees Association is now a full-fledged association after the Basketball Association of Northern Mariana Islands approved its by-laws last Saturday during a board meeting at the Gilbert C. Ada Gym.
BANMI Referees Association chairman Rufino Aguon said with BANMI approving their by-laws, the group can now move forward and start its program.
The group’s first move will be to hold a meeting on May 12 and adopt a code of ethics.
“We will follow a strict code of ethics and move on from there,” Aguon said.
The group is planning a series of clinics to develop the officiating skills of its members.
The BANMI Referees Association was formed three weeks ago with the purpose of giving referees a strong voice and making them a part of the development of basketball in the CNMI. More than 10 referees joined the group.
Veteran referee Arnold Mesa is the group’s vice chair, while BANMI secretary general Michael White is the treasurer. BANMI board member Abner Venus is the secretary.
After BANMI approved the referees association’s by-laws, only members of the group will be allowed to officiate at games in BANMI-sanctioned leagues and tournaments.
“We are the only association approved and certified by BANMI under the FIBA Oceania umbrella to officiate in BANMI-affiliated leagues,” Aguon said.
BANMI is sanctioning the ongoing 25-and-under league, Masters league, Rotary and Bud Cup.
“All our members are certified and will follow a strict code of ethics to ensure fairness in all games at which we officiate. They will also need to pay yearly dues of $50. If the dues are not paid, they will be decertified,” Aguon said.
Meanwhile, BANMI is calling on all heads/members of basketball leagues/associations in the NMI to attend a meeting tomorrow at the Ada Gym.
The meeting will run from 9 a.m. to 12 n.n. in the Ada Gym’s conference room.
BANMI’s Elias Rangamar said that it is important for basketball enthusiasts in the commonwealth to attend the meeting, as they want every basketball group/leagues to be involved in the development of the sport in the NMI.
Rangamar said officials/members of the UFO league, MDX league, Masters, women’s basketball, Mobil, NYBA, MISA high school league, PSS elementary cage tournament and Genesis Cup are encouraged to attend the meeting.