In a first for an Indian official, Norman Swaroop Isaac has been nominated as the International Basketball Federation’s (FIBA) Technical Delegate (TD) to conduct the World Cup qualifier between the Philippines and Japan at Tokyo on November 24.
The Hyderabad-based former National player will be one among 20 from Asia and less than 100 across the world to don the role.
As part of the same opening window, India will face Lebanon at the Kanteerva Stadium, Bengaluru on November 23. The next two windows will be in February and June next year.
Fresh from a workshop in Lebanon, which drilled TDs on every aspect of the World Cup qualifiers’ conduct, he listed specified tasks for each of the two days preceding the actual fixture.
Although extensive inspections would have already been carried out, he must ensure conformity with FIBA specifications on equipment, flooring, illumination and change rooms to name just a few.
“For the media alone there are three facilities to take care of, all to be fully functional 24 hours before the starting whistle. A media tribune at court side will enable journalists work when watching the game. In the mix zone, they will have access to player reactions right after the contest. Full-fledged post match media conferences with both teams will then be held in the media room,” Isaac told The Hindu.
In accordance with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) norms, players will be randomly tested. “Not just for the players, even spectators should have immediate access to medical aid, an ambulance to be stationed nearby for any injury or accident. The TD must tackle any emergency, ranging from riots to floods, crowd trouble or mishap in the stadium,” said the seasoned ‘whistle-blower.’
The visiting side must be given a 90-minute practice session, exactly 24 hours ahead of the 6 p.m. (local time) tip-off on match day.
On the morning of the contest, the touring team must also be allowed an hour-long practice session. The local referee who backs up the three from neutral nations will assist floor officials with the Instant Replay System (IRS).
“All along, I must be in official FIBA attire which comes in a strolley bearing the world body’s logo,” said Isaac. Other responsibilities include supervising TV production, issue of accreditation, inspection of team hotels, transport and security arrangements.