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NBA ref Lindsay touts grassroots development at Treasure Beach clinic
August 29, 2025
National Basketball Association (NBA) referee Mark Lindsay says it is important to start basketball refereeing in Jamaica at the grassroots level to keep up with the rest of the world.
Lindsay, a referee for 18 years in the United States' marquee competition, hosted a referees clinic attended by 20 local and international referees. The session lasted for 90 minutes.
"Jamaica has to keep pace with the level of play because that level of play train has already left the station," said Lindsay, who hosted the clinic for the first time.
The clinic was held in collaboration with the Philadelphia Mankind Basketball League (PMBL), an 11-year annual Basketball Camp held at the Jakes Hotel in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth.
"It is incumbent upon the veteran referees that were here today to be stakeholders and pass it down to the next generation of referees who are getting their foot in the door at the ground level," added Lindsay.
The training session utilised intense videos from a recent NBA Western Conference finals game between Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves. Some areas came in for heavy focus, namely mechanics, positioning, play calling and communication.
In addition, during the session there was an engaging question-and-answer segment.
According to Lindsay, he grew up in a family with referees, so he is honoured and happy for the opportunity and connection with the NBA and Jamaican basketball.
"It is super important for me to give back to communities that are hungry and thirsty for knowledge. So to connect with other referees is significant to me," said Lindsay.
The veteran referee noted that the feedback was positive, with referees appreciating practical demonstrations.
Asked about improving refereeing in Jamaica, Lindsay said it does not matter where or at what level you are playing, referee development is important.
"I think anywhere the sport of basketball needs good referees; whether it's youth, school or professional, the game and sport is only as good as its refereeing. That is why I feel it is imperative to start at the grassroots level with this clinic," said Lindsay, who was happy to use the videotaped session.
"It will go back to the communities throughout Jamaica, where they can learn the terminology and are able to utilise this higher level information and knowledge to spread to the next generation of referees," he added.
Khurt Stewart, a 14-year local referee, said it was good learning additional information.
"I didnt realise how in-depth the terminologies were. You have to adjust when you referee overseas in the NBA and its the FIBA rules when you play here" said Stewart.
His dream is to see the sport elevate to international level.
"For an entity like the NBA to even look at us, it is something we need to get Jamaica on board with, the world," he stated.
Meanwhile, 24-year-old Wayne Lawrence, a referee in training, said the clinic was beneficial, especially for young referees.
"I think there is a decline in refereeing. There is a limited number of referees, and with the younger generation, this pool of potential here, it is good for us coming," said Lawrence.
