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Scania Camp has been a truly transformative step in my officiating career, providing me with an opportunity for both professional development and personal growth. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this would be an experience of learning and collaboration, with a high standard of refereeing. One of the most valuable aspects of the camp was the opportunity to connect with referees from all over the world to share experiences, discuss different approaches to the game, and build relationships with officials from different backgrounds to broaden my perspective on officiating in a way that simply isn't possible in a local setting.

A major highlight of the experience was learning from some of the top referees currently involved in elite-level basketball. Being introduced to EuroLeague officials Saulius Racys and Kristaps Konstantinovs, alongside NCAA referees Ryan Christian and Donatas Siaudinis, gave me a direct insight into what it takes to officiate at the highest level. Their sessions were not only informative but also engaging, as they shared real-game scenarios, broke down decision-making processes, and emphasized the importance of consistency, communication, and professionalism. Hearing their stories of their journeys and experiences showed the level of dedication that is needed to progress in officiating.

An area of significant development was the three-person officiating system (3PO). Prior to the camp, my experience in this system had been quite limited, so having the chance to learn more about it and then immediately apply it in a practical setting was incredibly beneficial. To start with, I had to keep thinking about adjusting positioning, rotations, and areas of responsibility, but through repetition and teamwork, it quickly began to feel more natural. Working in these situations highlighted the importance of trust and clear communication, and I grew more confident in both my own role and in supporting my partners on the court.

Officiating games with referees from different countries was another standout element of the camp for me. Despite differences in language, background, and experience, there was an immediate sense of unity. It was remarkable how quickly we were able to build chemistry and operate effectively as a team. Each game provided new challenges, whether it was managing player emotions, maintaining game flow, or making critical decisions under pressure. After completing our assignments, we often stayed to watch other crews, offering support and continuing to learn by observing different styles and approaches.

The feedback provided by the instructors was detailed, honest, and incredibly valuable. Rather than focusing solely on mistakes, they emphasized growth, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. This allowed me to make immediate adjustments and see real progress in my performance as the camp went on. Their guidance helped me to refine key aspects of my officiating, including positioning, timing, communication, and overall court awareness.

As the camp progressed, I noticed a big improvement in my confidence and consistency. The games became more intense and were played at a higher standard, which naturally brought added pressure. However, instead of feeling overwhelmed, I found myself embracing the challenge and trusting in the skills I had been developing throughout the week. Working with different crews each day further strengthened my adaptability and reinforced the importance of quickly establishing rapport and understanding within a team. The final stages of the camp provided an opportunity to reflect on how much progress had been made in a relatively short period of time. 

The experience culminated in everyone coming together to watch the U19 men's and women's finals. This was not only an opportunity to enjoy high-level basketball, but also a moment to appreciate the shared journey of all the officials involved, feeling a sense of camaraderie, mutual respect, and collective improvement.

Scania Camp will have a lasting impact on my development as an official. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, challenged me to adapt and improve, and provided me with tools and insights that I will carry forward in my officiating career. I leave the experience not only as a better referee in terms of skill and knowledge, but also with a renewed sense of motivation and a stronger connection to the global officiating community.  

At the start of the camp I only briefly knew two people from England but by the end I had built friendships with many more including officials from Scotland. I hope to see them again and I am looking forward to potentially refereeing with then in the future.

John Lord Obituary 

 19th April 2026

We were informed by Fellow David Last of the passing of John Lord who was a regular member of the Sutton and Crystal Palace team and played regularly for England and the GB Olympic squad in the 1970's.

Although he was not a member of the Fellowship, we have a number of members who have strong links to the club and others who might remember John from his playing days.

The resume below has been compiled by Fellows David Last and Terry Doherty.

Sutton Basketball team that played in the National Final at Crystal Palace in 1970-71 against Manchester University. 

The Sutton line up, left to right, is as follows: -

John Lord (England), David Lord(England), Ed de Young, Kevin Bright, David Last, (Fellow), Paul Philp, (England), Bob Traylen (England), Martin Hall (England), Gil Loescher, Flemming Wich(Denmark), Malcolm Chamberlain and Barry Huxley (Fellow) (England)

Basketball Career

• Sutton GS age group teams (under 13, 14 & 15) and 1st team.

• Founder member of Sutton BBC playing regularly from 70/71 to 74/75 inclusive, latterly under the club's new name of Sutton & Crystal Palace (SCP)

• Played regularly for England and Great Britain Olympic squad in the seventies. 

Family

Born 8th September 1947 into a family of six with one younger brother David and two sisters Liz and Toni

Died: 19th March 2026 aged 78

John leaves his wife Jenny who he married in 1971, their three children Matthew, Melanie and Chris and ten grandchildren.

Education

• 1958 – 1966 Sutton Grammar School

• 1966 – 1970 Birmingham University, BSc Civil Engineering

• Trained as a civil engineer in Croydon from 1971 to 1972 before making the total career change to Leisure Management

• 1972 – 1973 obtained a Masters in Leisure Management at Loughborough University Employment Career

Career

• 1973 – was recruited by the Sobell Centre as Assistant General Manager under David Hemery, GB's gold medallist 400m hurdler.

• At the end of the seventies he left the Sobell to become Managing Director of the Wembley Stadium before, in the mid-eighties, joining the family businesses of Billy & George Walker of boxing and Brent Walker fame.

• In 1989 the family relocated to Cowbridge in South Wales when he was appointed Managing Director overseeing the opening and general management of the brand new Cardiff Arena Complex including Jury's Hotel and Cardiff Devils ice hockey club.

• This brought John and Jenny into close contact with royalty when the Queen opened the Complex in 1993.

• He retired at the beginning of 2000 and subsequently lectured on a part time basis at Cardiff University. He also kept himself occupied with occasional consulting work with Sports Marketing Specialist, Sport Inter Media Ltd and other clients.

• In October 2024 he relocated again, this time to East Grinstead to be closer to the majority of his expanded family.

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Sadie Mason MBE DL

 19th April 2026

After over five and a half years of service, Fellow Sadie Mason has elected to step down from the Board of Basketball England.

Sadie, who has been on the board since 2020, is stepping down with immediate effect to focus on other ventures, including GB Maxibasketball and her role as Deputy Lieutenant in East Sussex. 

Speaking about the decision, Mason said: 

"My term with Basketball England was due to end this year, so I am electing to stand down at this point to enjoy being with my family and to focus on the GB Maxibasketball programme as we prepare eleven British teams to compete in championships in Greece this summer.

"I will also continue as a Deputy Lieutenant in East Sussex and the City of Brighton & Hove as that is a long-term appointment.

"Hopefully, I'm leaving the organisation with some positive contributions to the development of our sport and all at BE will continue to work with the Board to champion the diverse and inclusive nature of our beloved sport

"Finally, I wish Chair Paul Blanchard, the Board and the incoming Chief Executive and staff all the very best as they take BE forward."

Read the full story on the BE website: -

https://basketballengland.co.uk/news/sadie-mason-steps-down-from-be-board#:~:text=Sadie Mason steps down from BE Board

Patricia Fairclough OBE

20th March 2026

Patricia (front) represented basketball at a reception, in 10, Downing Street, hosted by the Prime Minister honouring Services to the Community and Sport from grassroots to elite level.

Karen Goodrich

4th March 2026

A Coach's Life-Long Goal to prioritise girls' basketball in Northampton

On 4th March, BE published an article, written by John Hobbs, about Karen and her work in Northampton on their website. 

a-coach-s-life-long-goal-to-prioritise-girls-basketball-in-northampton

Masters Age-Group Recognition

13th February 2026

British Basketball's interim governing body - collectively Basketball England, Basketball Scotland and Basketball Wales - has today confirmed the recognition of the masters age group within the suite of Great Britain national teams competing in British Basketball's interim governing body - collectively Basketball England, Basketball Scotland and Basketball Wales - has today confirmed the recognition of the masters age group within the suite of Great Britain national teams competing in FIBA competitions.

This follows FIBA's Central Board announcing its formal recognition of the masters age category on 4 December 2025, adding it to their official cadre of global competitions.

The inaugural championship - the FIBA Masters Open - will take place in Greece from 4-12 July 2026, in the host cities of Corinth and Loutraki. It is an exciting new instrument in FIBA's long-term participation strategy, that fosters inclusivity and serves to strengthen its vision of one, global basketball community. competitions.  This follows FIBA's Central Board announcing its formal recognition of the masters age category on 4 December 2025, adding it to their official cadre of global competitions. The inaugural championship - the FIBA Masters Open - will take place in Greece from 4-12 July 2026, in the host cities of Corinth and Loutraki. It is an exciting new instrument in FIBA's long-term participation strategy, that fosters inclusivity and serves to strengthen its vision of one, global basketball community.

masters-to-become-part-of-gb-performance-pathway-as-fiba-introduces-official-competition

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National Basketball Heritage Collection and Archive Presentation

Updated 25th January 2026

The unveiling of the display cabinet, purchased by the Fellowship, for the use of the NBHC&A took place on Friday 23rd January 2026.

Twenty-two members / partners were in attendance alongside representatives from BE and the University. 

 

Photographs from Justyn Surral: University of Worcester

We are grateful all those who were able to support this event.

Fellows Jenny Collins and Mick Donovan MBE, who alongside the late John Atkinson were responsible for starting this whole project, performed the ribbon ceremony.

 

More information in our April newsletter.

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Heritage Collection and Archive Highlight

30th November 2025

We are very pleased to share the news that The National Basketball Heritage Collection and Archive's History of Basketball outreach Project has been chosen as one of the National Archive's 'Highlights' in their 'year in Archives' publication.

The publication showcases and celebrates the work of archives across the country which embody the sector's vision of 'archives Unlocked'.

The HA&C project aimed to introduce undergraduate and sixth form students to the world of archives in a familiar context - basketball! The sessions were a great success and it is intended to run more in the very near future.

Great work by Katy Small and all connected with the NBHC&A!

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Fellowship Trophy Presentation

14th November 2025

It has been some years since the Fellowship Trophy was last presented. Originally, the award was given to organisations whose financial support or other contribution had a significant impact on the development of our sport. 

It was becoming more difficult for the Committee to identify such benefactors and so it was agreed to use the Award to focus on the development of the sport in the community, to increase awareness of the part basketball can play in supporting young people, to highlight the great work being undertaken by clubs across the country, and to raise the profile of the Fellowship. 

To do so we have studied a number of community based projects across the country which have provided opportunities for young people to develop both basketball and life-skills through their engagement with the sport. 

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English Basketball Fellowship Trophy

awarded to

Newcastle Eagles Community Foundation

Newcastle Eagles Community Foundation were presented with the 2025 English Basketball Fellowship Trophy prior to the Newcastle Eagles v Sheffield Sharks game on 14th November.

Fellowship Chair, Andy Milbourne noted that, "This prestigious award highlights the Eagles Community Foundation's sustained commitment to making basketball accessible and inclusive for all. Their efforts not only foster talent but also build strong community ties whilst supporting personal development and healthy lifestyles".

The Fellowship were impressed by their breadth of work across the North East and the way in which the Foundation brings so many different initiatives together under the Eagles umbrella, creating a clear pathway from grassroots to the top level of the sport for players, coaches, officials and administrators.

Samantha Blake DL, CEO of the Foundation commented, We are honoured to receive such an award which acknowledges the hard work of everyone across the years providing a player pathway structure to our young people in the North East of England."

The Foundation programme currently offers:

1. 13 junior Eagles basketball clubs across Northumberland, Tyne & Wear with 2000+ members - age groups from U6 to U18
2. 162 junior Eagles teams competing in the Eagles junior league based at our arena on weekends.
3. 10 performance academy teams 
4. Eagles coaches and players involved with home countries and GB
5. A health education programme working with Years 5 and 6 with over 3,500 young people participating 
6. A STEM education programme working with Years 3,4,5,6,7 with over 3,000 young people benefiting 
7. A junior mentoring programme providing NGB qualifications in coaching, refereeing and officiating seeing progression from the junior league to Super League Basketball Men's and Women's games
8. Eagles hosting eight GB senior men's international games
9. Hosting the World Transplant Games basketball competition
10. Hosting the GB International Maxi Basketball Federation Tournament 

Pictures by Abbie Orwin

Recipients of the Fellowship Trophy