This was the Qualifying Event for the 2010 World Championships in Turkey late next year. Australia, the defending World Champions, beat New Zealand in both games and therefore securing their spot in the 2010 Women’s Basketball World Championships representing the Oceania Zone. Referees for this event were Tim Brown from New Zealand, Brett Campbell from Australia, and Jubilee Kuartei as the neutral referee from Palau.
To officiate at this level of competition, a referee must have FIBA International level certification. Ms. Kuartei has been a referee with Palau Basketball Referee Association for more than five years and has officiated competitions at both local and regional levels. She became obtained FIBA International level certification in 2007 as a result of attending and completing a FIBA Referee school in Apia, Samoa during the South Pacific Games. In June of 2009, she attended and completed a recycle clinic in Saipan during the Oceania Senior Championships. Upon passing the fitness test, the written exam and practical evaluation, Ms. Kuartei renewed her FIBA referee license which is valid until 2013. Ms. Kuartei was nominated by the Secretary General of FIBA Oceania, Mr. Steve Smith to be one of the three officials at the 2009 FIBA Oceania Women’s Championship – Qualifying event for the 2010 World championships. At the closing ceremony of the Championship series, FIBA Oceania Secretary General presented medals to the three referees in recognition for their contribution to the tournament. In his special remarks, President of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Mr. Bob Elphinston thanked the basketball federations of New Zealand and Australia for hosting the 2-game series. He also thanked the families, the volunteers, and the supporters that came out to watch the games. He concluded with a special recognition to the referees for officiating the Championships with emphasis drawn to Ms. Kuartei from Palau, “a small island nation in the Pacific”, for paving the way for future female referees in the Oceania Zone. Except for Australian female referees, Jubilee is the only other female FIBA International licensed referee in Oceania.
