TORONTO, ON (February 14, 2020) - Canada Basketball announced today the appointment of Mike Thomson to the position of Manager, Officials Development.

"I’d like to welcome Mike to Canada Basketball as we take an important initial step towards further aligning basketball in our country," said Glen Grunwald, President and CEO of Canada Basketball. “With Mike’s extensive experience, connections and passion for officiating, he will play a critical role for our organization in the development and growth of officiating across Canada.”

With over 40 years of experience in basketball as a referee, Thomson has refereed locally, nationally and internationally.  Most recently he was interim Supervisor of Basketball Officials for the Canada West Universities Athletic Association.

“I am excited by the opportunity that Canada Basketball has created by hiring a full-time Manager, Officials Development,” said Thomson.  “There are long-term benefits for basketball officials development that can only be released by having someone dedicated to the task full-time and directly connected with Canada Basketball.

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to shape the growth of basketball officiating across Canada and look forward to working with not just the officials but all stakeholders in the great game of basketball – to create a better experience for all,” Thomson said.

Upon his retirement as an active official, Thomson became a Referee Instructor, including trips last summer to the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2019 in Crete, Greece, the 2019 Pan-American Games in Lima, Peru and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China.

During his career as an official, Thomson’s career highlights included refereeing at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and nine CIS Men’s National Championship games.  In 2014, Thomson was inducted in the Basketball BC Hall of Fame.

“Mike Thomson had a long and distinguished career as one of Canada’s preeminent officials,” said Morgan Munroe, Canadian Basketball Officials Commission (CBOC) Chair.  “He used the experiences he gained here in Canada to build a solid career as an international official for FIBA.”

“As the first Manager, Officials Development for Canada Basketball he will bring his extensive experience both internationally and domestically to build on and expand the development opportunities for officials at all levels throughout the country,” Munroe said.  "As the game continues to grow we need to have leaders with a vision and a commitment to excellence in all areas including officiating.”

“Mike is the right person for this opportunity and we wish him great success in his new position,” said Munroe.  “We are excited to have Mike join us as we continue to work toward our goal of making Canada the world leader in officiating.”

Reporting to the Director, Domestic Development, Thomson will lead basketball officiating (game and table) development in Canada. Working closely with the CBOC, he will be responsible for the development, coordination, support, implementation and administration of an aligned officials’ system for basketball in Canada.  

In addition, he will oversee officials’ education, recruitment and retention, training, evaluation, communication and creating a safe sport environment for basketball officials and participants.

As of Monday, February 24 he will be available at mthomson@basketball.ca.

ABOUT CANADA BASKETBALL

Canada Basketball is the National Sporting Organization for the sport of Basketball in Canada. Canada Basketball is respected worldwide and is recognized by the International Amateur Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the Government of Canada as the sole governing body of the sport of amateur basketball in Canada. Canada Basketball, a not-for-profit organization, represents all basketball interests, provides leadership, coordination and direction in all areas of the sport of basketball.

ABOUT CANADIAN BASKETBALL OFFICIALS COMMISSION

The Canadian Basketball Officials Commission (CBOC) is committed to creating and growing the Canadian basketball official’s landscape, where officials are united and aligned across the country.  The CBOC is focused on leading and empowering officials with a consistent and clear message and philosophy that builds an inclusive culture, creating a strong and positive environment fostering equity.  CBOC represents all interests for basketball officials in Canada, provides leadership, coordination and direction of a standardized system, while driving a consistent experience for all officials.

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