OCEANIA COACHES STUDY TOUR REPORT - Fiba Oceania

OCEANIA COACHES 

STUDY TOUR 

REPORT 

AUSTRALIA 2004 

Melbourne 

Albury 

Australian Institute of Sport 

Ballarat 

Bendigo 

Rachel Gwerder (NZ) Patrick Hunt, Emma Waiwai (PNG) Theo Thinnifel (Yap) 

Frank Calvo Jnr (Guam) Jon Hoyle, Elias Rangamar (CNMI) Stuart Manwaring, 

Michael Whippy (Fiji) Judy Smith, Caleb Harrison (NZ) 

26th March – 8th April 2004

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

REPORT FROM PATRICK HUNT....................................................................................3 

PROGRAM OUTLINE:........................................................................................................5 

PARTICIPANT DETAILS....................................................................................................6 

COMMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS FROM THE COACHES: ....................................7 

REPORT FROM MICHAEL WHIPPY OF FIJI: ..............................................................8 

REPORT FROM RACHEL GWERDER OF NEW ZEALAND .....................................9 

REPORT FROM CALEB HARRISON OF NEW ZEALAND:.......................................11 

REPORT BY THEO THINNIFEL OF YAP......................................................................12 

REPORT BY STUART MANWARING............................................................................13 

OPERATIONAL REPORT: ...............................................................................................14 

PHOTO GALLERY............................................................................................................15 

FIBA Oceania Coaches Study Tour to Australia 2004 

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Oceania Coaches Study Tour to Australia 2004 

Report By Patrick Hunt 

President, FIBA Oceania 

World Association of Basketball Coaches 

Introduction: 

Every two years coaches from Basketball Australia’ s Intensive Training Centre Program (ITCP) embark on 

an international study tour to USA and Europe. Funding support for the study tour is provided by 

Basketball Australia, the state/territory basketball associations, the relevant state/territory Institutes of 

Sport, the participating coaches and the World Association of Basketball Coaches through FIBA Oceania. 

Steve Smith, Secretary General of FIBA Oceania, has had several discussions with me raising the 

suggestion of having a similar study tour for coaches from throughout the FIBA Oceania region, with the 

coaches visiting Australia. 

Steve Smith was able to obtain funding for the study tour from the World Association of Basketball 

Coaches and the Oceania National Olympic Committee, with the coaches also making a personal 

contribution. 

The study tour eventuated with the coaches visiting Australia from 26 th March to 6 th April 2004. 

Aims: 

The purpose of the study tour was to expose coaches to a variety of programs ranging from junior 

women’s and junior men’s, senior men and women at ABA level and also to visit the Australian Institute of 

Sport in Canberra. 

Through group discussion and feedback sessions the program aimed to share information from practice 

sessions and programs in an endeavour to expand coaching expertise and knowledge. 

Format: 

Coaches discussed team practice sessions, games, received coaching presentations, attended coaching 

clinics and individual practice sessions. They then had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss 

elements of the practice sessions, games or coaching sessions with the coaches who were involved in 

conducting the sessions. 

Itinerary: 

A very comprehensive schedule was organised through the Intensive Training Centre Program in Victoria 

Metropolitan (Melbourne) and Victoria Country, Bendigo and Ballarat and at the Australian Institute of 

Sport in Canberra. The program was organised through Basketball Australia’s ITCP bank of coaches and 

AIS coaches through Patrick Hunt National ITCP Head Coach and FIBA Oceania WABC President. 

Observations: 

The study tour was most ably led by Jon Hoyle and Stuart Manwaring, FIBA Oceania Development 

Officers and Judy Smith FIBA Oceania Administrative assistant. I was able to join the study tour for the 

last 5 days during the visits to the AIS Basketball program in Canberra and programs in Ballarat and 

Bendigo. 

I was most impressed by the way the group interacted and willingly joined in the discussions sessions on 

what had been observed. I was able to lead several of these sessions and the exchange of information and 

views was most beneficial to all coaches. 

The scouting exercises were challenging, practical and covered both scouting of individual players and 

team systems of play. 

It was pleasing to note the willingness of the Australian coaches conducting the sessions to share 

information and provide resources wherever possible. 


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The inaugural FIBA Oceania Coaches Study Tour was a most educational and worthwhile venture. 

Feedback from participating coaches has indicated that it has proved to be a most significant event in 

helping them further their coaching expertise and broaden their coaching programs. 

Thanks to the following people and organisation for making this tremendous event possible: 

� FIBA Oceania 

� Oceania National Olympic Committee 

� World Association of Basketball Coaches 

� Jon Hoyle, Stuart Manwaring and Judy Smith from FIBA Oceania 

� Steve Smith, FIBA Oceania Secretary General 

� AIS coaches Phil Brown, Martin Clarke, Debbie Cook, Paul Goriss 

� ITCP Head Coaches in Victoria, Ross Wignall and Marty Handson 

� Basketball Australia President John Maddock 

� Basketball Victoria 

� Lindsay Gaze 

This coaching milestone for basketball in FIBA Oceania should take place every two years. 

The challenge for the participating coaches is to now implement and integrate this most valuable 

information into their own programs, which will sustain the growth of our tremendous game throughout 

the FIBA Oceania region. 

A group discussion in Bendigo, lead by Patrick Hunt. 

The tour group at the Australian Institute of Sport 


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Friday 26 th March 

Melbourne 

Saturday 27 th March 

Melbourne 

Sunday 28 th March 

Melbourne 

Monday 29 th March 

Melbourne 

Tuesday 30 th March 

Melbourne 

Wednesday 31 st March 

Albury 

Thursday 1 st April 

Canberra. 

Australian Institute of 

Sport 

Friday 2 nd April 

Canberra. 

Australian Institute of 

Sport 

Saturday 3 rd April 

Ballarat 

Sunday 4 th April 

Bendigo 

Monday 5 th April 

Bendigo 

Tuesday 6th April 

Melbourne 

Wednesday 7th April 

Melbourne 

Thursday 8th April 

Melbourne 

Program Outline: 

Coaches and staff arrive Tullamarine airport, Melbourne 

Coaches arrive 

4.00pm Victoria Metropolitan U/16 girls State training Marissa 

Fillipou & Julianne Grant – MSAC courts 

Scouting exercise at ABA games. Coaches to attend pregame 

6.00pm ABA game Kilsyth v Knox Women 

8.00pm ABA game Kilsyth v Knox Men 

9.00am Dandenong Junior representative team practices. 

Eddie Calic – Development Officer 

Scouting exercise at ABA games. Attend pre game talk 

12.00 ABA game Frankston v Kilsyth women 

2.00pm ABA game Frankston v Dandenong men 

6.30am ITCP individual sessions – Kew High School 

Explanation of ITCP by Ross Wignall, Vic Metro ITCP Coach 

9.30am Box Hill Secondary School –Sessions with Kevin Goorjian 

7.00pm Man defence & motion offence against the zone 

by Patrick Hunt at Werribee Basketball stadium 

6.30am ITCP individual sessions – Waverley Basketball stadium 

10.00am Meeting with Lindsay Gaze at Basketball Victoria headquarters 

6.00pm ITCP coaches meeting with Patrick Hunt 

7.00pm Vic Metro full ITCP squad practice 

Travel to Albury. 

Observe stadium activities in a multi use 

facility. Observe senior basketball competitions 

Travel to AIS in Canberra. 

1.30pm Sports massage & training 

4.30pm Girls team practice 

1.30pm Boys video session 

4.30pm Boys team practice 

6.30am Girls weights session 

8.30am Girls individual sessions, boys shooting session 

12.30pm Girls individual session, boys preparation for game 

4.30pm Girls team practice 

7.30pm AIS v Frankston men at AIS 

2.30pm Under 18 boys & girls State trials 

7.30pm ABA game Ballarat v Bendigo women 

12.30pm State under 12 championships Future Stars program 

2.30pm Junior squad training with Bendigo coaches 

9.00am Meeting with Ben Harvey & Wayne Larkin – explanation of 

domestic and representative programs at Bendigo 

2.00pm Future Stars finals 

4.00pm ITC individual session 

5.00pm Bendigo Braves ABA team weights session 

12.30pm Tour wrap-up and luncheon at Box Hill TAFE. 

Presentation by John Maddock, President of Basketball Australia 

Coaches and staff depart 

Coaches depart 


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Participant Details 

Name Country Address 

Caleb Harrison New Zealand 

Theo Thinnifel Yap 

Frank Calvo Jnr Guam 

Michael Whippy Fiji 

Emma Waiwai PNG 

Rachel Gwerder New Zealand 

Elias Rangamar Mariana Islands 

Jon Hoyle Australia 

Stuart Manwaring Australia 

Judy Smith Australia 

Patrick Hunt Australia 

2 Golden Elm Lane, Christchurch 

New Zealand 

PO Box 909, Colonia, Yap 

Federated States of Micronesia 96943 

UOG Field House, UOG Station, 

Mangilao Guam 

56 Le Hunte St, Suva 

Fiji Islands 

PO Box 2180, Boroko, Port Moresby 

Papua New Guinea 

52 Clarkin Road, Hamilton 

New Zealand 

PO Box 2476, Saipan 

Northern Mariana Islands 96950 

21 Pacific Highway, Adamstown 

Heights NSW 2289 

3 Carumbi Place, Isabella Plains 

ACT 2905 

18 Sea Breeze Place, Boambee 

NSW 2452 

PO Box 176 Belconnen 

ACT 2616 

Plyometrics drill at Waverly early morning ITCP session 


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Email 

caleb@globe.net.nz 

fishyap@mail.fm 

kocalvo@uog9.uog.edu 

prosurvis2@connect.com.fj 

ewaiwai@hotmail.com 

rachelbball@xtra.co.nz 

eli_rangamar@yahoo.com 

obcjon@yahoo.com.au 

obcstuart@yahoo.com.au 

obcjudy@tpg.com.au 

patrick.hunt@ausport.gov.au

Comments and observations from the coaches: 

What were the positive aspects of the tour 

� The openness of the Australian coaches impressed me. (this comment was repeated by 

every coach) 

� While the ITCP has outcomes to achieve, each coach within the network teaches 

differently, according to their personality. The athletes benefit from this approach. In my 

country there is a standard coaching method, which makes me feel like a sheep, following 

the leader. The tour has made me realise that coaching to my personality is most 

important and it is something I now feel I can do with confidence. 

� The opportunity to discuss among the tour group was great. 

� Learnt a great deal about scouting (comment repeated by most coaches) 

� Will encourage coaches in my country to share their knowledge (comment by all coaches) 

� Impressed with the drive and enthusiasm shown by Australian coaches, administrators – 

everyone. 

� Allowed me to pick up new drills and teaching points (repeated by a number of coaches) 

� Shocked to see how associations follow the same offensive and defensive principles for 

their representative teams – something unheard of in my country, but something very 

valuable once you understand the philosophy behind it. 

� The amount and detail of information gained has been mind-boggling. 

� I have grown as a coach, now feels confident to undertake large clinics in my home 

country. 

� Struck by the ability and knowledge of the under 12 players – just amazing and like 

nothing I have ever seen before. No wonder Australia is such a great basketball nation. 

� I have learnt that starting with the basics at an early age is the most important thing to 

change in my country. 

� We in the islands pride ourselves on our hospitality, but I have been amazed at the 

hospitality extended to us in every stadium and town we have visited. 

� I was amazed at how well the daily schedule was planned, and how it ran to time – even 

little things like using the mobile phone to call ahead to confirm our arrival time. Things 

like that just don’t happen in my country. 

What would you change for the next tour? 

� More discussions with coaches after games. 

� Follow a selected team for a longer period of time – observe their training, pregame, game 

and post game activities. Give us an opportunity to see ‘how it all fits together’. 

� Have a similar tour within our own country. 

� Each participant to write a report on basketball in their country and present to the group 

at the beginning of the tour. 

� Have more coaches from my country involved in the tour, although I am aware of the 

financial aspect of such a comment on FIBA Oceania (comment repeated by most coaches) 

� Program the tour to commence with under 12 activities and then move up in ability levels 

from there. 

� Make the tour longer. 

Most commonly heard phrases: 

“Cheers” Caleb Harrison, New Zealand 

“They took my beetle nut” Theo Thinnefel, Yap 

“Do you serve rice?” Frank, Elias, Theo, Michael, Emma 

“How much did you say the rice was?” Frank, Elias, Theo, Michael, Emma 

“Look what I bought for my children” Emma 

“Turn right, no left, no right Jon” Stuart 

“Where do I go here Stuart?” Jon 

“I don’t know Jon” Stuart 

“Thanks coach, it was amazing” All the coaches, repeatedly. 


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Report from Michael Whippy of Fiji: 

Firstly, I’d like to thank FIBA Oceania for giving me the opportunity to attend the tour and be a part 

of the pioneering coaches on the first Oceania Coaches study tour. Meeting the other coaches and 

hearing of how basketball was developing in their various countries and just mixing and sharing with 

them over the duration of the tour was one of the highlights for me. 

To say I learnt something new every day would be an understatement. One of the problems I’ve 

always had is finding how to put basketball knowledge together, to best suit the style of play you 

want your team to follow. In the numerous visits we had, to the ITCP clinics, the schools, the under 

12’s, the AIS and the Dandenong association, I can now see how I can put this knowledge to the best 

use and keep practices interesting. 

I think the tour itinerary was very well thought out, because it not only gave us coaches first hand 

experience in watching live practice sessions, but it also gave us direct access to the many coaches 

whose sessions we attended and a chance to hear them speak about their programs, their experiences 

and most importantly how they managed to get good results from their players. 

Seeing how associations of some 8,000 players were run, competition, administration, finance, 

maintenance etc was an experience for me, coming from a small association of some 360 players. 

I found the Australian coaches very open and receptive to us and always willing to share their 

coaching knowledge without prejudice. I thought that this was great and the experience of watching 

ITCP coaches voluntarily running early morning sessions with kids, some of whom were on rival 

teams probably could be another reason why the Australian junior basketball program is so 

successful. 

I thought the closing luncheon with Patrick Hunt and John Maddock was great in that it gave us all a 

chance to wrap up and also witness a great presentation from John on Australian Basketball. 

In closing I would like to thank firstly Judy Smith, for making it all happen, for making us feel at 

home in a new environment and for her great organisation skills in putting the whole thing together. 

Secondly I would like to thank FIBA Oceania for instigating a great idea. For us in the remote 

basketball corners of the Pacific, this was literally bringing Mohammed to the mountain, and giving 

us all the opportunity to witness first hand, why Australia is one of the top 3 basketball nations in the 

world. 

Thirdly, my thanks go out to Jon Hoyle and Stuart Manwaring. Having known them well prior to 

tour, and then having them with us on the tour, contributed much towards our learning experiences, 

as they were able to help us through a lot of the new drills, concepts and organisational methods that 

we witnessed. 

Participating on this tour has really broadened my knowledge on coaching and I look forward to 

sharing this with my fellow Fiji coaches when I have organised the first session with them in two 

weeks time. 

Vinaaka 

Michael Whippy 


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Report from Rachel Gwerder of New Zealand 

During the dates 27 th March through to April 7 th I had the honour and pleasure of representing New 

Zealand on the inaugural Oceania Coaches Study Tour. FIBA Oceania employees Judy Smith, Stuart 

Manwaring and Jon Hoyle led the Study Tour. Judy brought outstanding organisational skills, 

basketball administration knowledge and an extremely friendly personality to the group. 

Stuart and Jon’s knowledge of all aspects of the game was extensive; both were willing to spend time 

with questioning coaches at a moment’s notice. They led the discussion sessions, which were always 

thought provoking, and set exercises in regards to scouting and observing coaching styles. They also 

brought humour and a lot of fun to the tour, the true “odd couple”. 

The last four days, we were lucky enough to have Patrick Hunt join the tour. His knowledge on 

scouting in particular was mind-boggling. It amazed me that someone could identify, dissect and 

memorise games in the manner he did. Patrick also brought great organisational skills and a fun 

personality to the tour. 

In regards to the scouting, these exercises/discussion times were the highlight of the tour for me. The 

very first game we scouted, I could identify team’s basic offences. However, I failed miserably in the 

second and third games. Having only ever scouted women’s games I struggled with the speed of the 

men’s game. 

Going into the tour I realised scouting was a component of the game I needed to improve upon, 

however due to the daily grind of working, coaching (practise sessions) and looking after my small 

children I never actually got around to setting the time aside to work on this aspect of the game. So, to 

be in an intense environment, where the focus was on scouting, has been invaluable to my coaching 

development. I learnt that scouting about individual tendencies is as, if not more so, important than 

what offences/defences teams are running. 

I have created and now have scouting sheets specific to what I think is important, and set out in a 

manner where I can find categories quickly. I’m sure as I continue to grow in knowledge these will 

change, however at this stage I am very satisfied that I have a valuable tool to assist with scouting. 

The ITC Program was very interesting to observe. I had heard of the ITC Program through 

discussions with both New Zealand and Australian coaches. It was fantastic to finally have first hand 

knowledge of the program. I enjoyed observing these sessions, because as a “developmental coach” I 

saw a lot of similarities between what is currently being done in New Zealand and the ITC program. 

What I thought valuable in the ITC program for coaches was they were given “focuses” for a term, 

given some drills they could use if they so wished, and then left to set their own practise plans. 

Obviously this meant the practises observed varied coach to coach. I thought this was empowering 

for coaches. 

Observing different coaches was interesting, as was hearing the Oceania coaches’ opinions of the 

coaching styles observed. I didn’t agree at times with the general consensus, however was always 

thought provoking. 

The willingness of coaches to open their coaching sessions, share knowledge, spend time with us was 

simply overwhelming. 

Another highlight of the tour was spending time with Lindsay Gaze. An amazing man who has 

achieved so much for Victorian and Australian Basketball. We were meant to spend an hour in 

discussion with Lindsay but left four hours later, and only because we had another appointment to 

attend. His outlook on life was so fresh and invigorating. 


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Two discussion points that Lindsay said have stuck firmly in my mind. The first was in regards to 

sharing knowledge; he said that early on in his friendship with coach Bobby Knight, he was blown 

away by Coach Knight’s willingness to spend time with him discussing basketball. 

I left thinking that if someone as respected as Lindsay Gaze had such an opinion of coach Knight, I’d 

better read up and improve my knowledge of Coach Knight. I purchased the book ‘My Story’ by 

Bobby Knight and Bob Hammel and very much enjoyed reading it. 

The second point from Lindsay was simply “no excuses”- just get it done. When someone who has 

achieved and overcome as many obstacles as Coach Gaze has, this is very motivating. 

The tour moved to Canberra, and the AIS. Time spent at the AIS is always extremely valuable. I have 

been a little spoilt in the number of times I have been lucky enough to attend the AIS, however I am 

always amazed at the number of resources available in the National Information Centre (Library). 

Both Head Coaches set time aside to discuss basketball with the tour group, and opened their entire 

program to us. Australian basketball are fortunate to have such a program, and coaches of such a high 

standard. 

Was fantastic to have the opportunity to observe an Opals versus Tall Ferns game…think I was the 

only one in the crowd cheering the Tall Ferns on!!! Would have really enjoyed observing an Opals or 

Tall Ferns practise but unfortunately the schedule didn’t allow for it. 

Travelled to Ballarat, from the AIS, that was a trip and a half, observed the Victorian Country Under 

18 Men’s and Women’s State Teams train. This was valuable, as it then gave me the opportunity to 

compare to the NZ National Junior Camps. 

Our next destination was Bendigo where we observed an Under 12 Club Tournament. Playing 

standard was high, the organisation outstanding and the venue just mind-blowing. The venue had at 

least 7 courts, a restaurant, a bar, function rooms and more offices than I could count. And it was 

“primarily” for basketball. We also spent time with the ABA Coach and the Junior Development 

Officer, it was valuable to hear what happens the level down from the ITC Program. 

The final item on the agenda was a luncheon with Basketball Australia’s President John Maddock. His 

pride in Basketball Australia’s achievements is obvious. He laid down a challenge to all the Oceania 

Coaches to set three goals to achieve in our home country, and requested we email them through to 

him. He then asked that in a year’s time, the coaches contact him to let him know if the goals set were 

achieved. He emphasised not setting goals too easy to achieve. I thought this a very motivational 

method of ensuring the coaches involved, gave back to the basketball community in their home 

country, with a good method to measure success. 

In summary, the tour group observed numerous Australian coaches doing what they all loved best – 

coaching. 

The coaches on the inaugural Oceania Coaches Study Tour all realise how fortunate we were to be 

involved in this program, I would recommend all coaches to apply for the next tour, the experience 

simply is too valuable for words. 

Rachel Gwerder 


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Report from Caleb Harrison of New Zealand: 

In April 2004 I had the opportunity to attend the Oceania Coaches Study Tour to Australia. The 

purpose of the tour was to develop national elite coaches and give them knowledge that they could 

share with their fellow coaches within their countries. The touring party consisted of coaches from 

many of the countries within the FIBA Oceania region. 

I attended the tour with the personal objectives of finding information regarding the Australian club 

basketball structure. Also I desired to learn more about the coaching process so I could share the 

knowledge and assist in developing New Zealand’s coaching fraternity. Thanks to FIBA Oceania I 

was able to achieve both of these objectives. 

The tour began with us observing Victorian State training and Australian Basketball Association 

(ABA) matches. The coaches in the State training demonstrated very competent application of 

basketball and coaching knowledge. They were inquisitive of the players and had excellent 

management throughout the training session. I was interested in observing how young the State 

coaches were. This is something we need to look at encouraging more in New Zealand. The ABA 

matches gave us the opportunity to practice our scouting. Scouting is an area that is becoming 

increasingly important for basketball coaches to master. The tour leaders educated us on what 

scouting is, why scouting is used, and how it is done. I found it very interesting to observe the 

relationship between scouting information and the decisions the players and coaches have to make 

throughout the course of the game. 

Following a week in Melbourne, the tour party travelled to Canberra to spend a couple of days at the 

Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). The coaches at the AIS were very receptive to our questions and 

discussions ranged from training periodisation to specific on court activities. It was a great 

experience observing such a comprehensive training facility and without doubt New Zealand 

basketball can take some ideas from this kind of training setup. 

Overall the tour was one of significant learning and the knowledge I gathered will be implemented 

throughout the rest of my coaching career. 

I have a strong passion for sharing this knowledge in order to strengthen the ‘Game the World Plays’. 

Thank you to FIBA, FIBA Oceania and the tour leaders. With future coach education programs such 

as this, FIBA Oceania will become a coach education leader within global basketball. 

Cheers, 

Caleb Harrison 

Victorian Metropolitan full ITCP squad practice with Ross Wignall 


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Report by Theo Thinnifel, Yap, Federated States of Micronesia. 

My name is Theo Thinnifel from the Island of Yap, one of the four states that comprise the Federated 

States of Micronesia (FSM). 

I have been coaching junior level basketball locally for quite some time now, drawing mainly from 

past experience as a basketball player on my island and in various leagues in Guam, and from 

reference materials and videos that I can get my hands on. 

Because of the American influence predominant in our region, basketball is extremely popular with 

the general populace and is followed on television, with NBA being the most popular. 

As such, our concept of the game of basketball, in terms of how it should be taught and played, 

relevant to islanders at our level of development, was often characterised by lack of discipline and 

teamwork. 

When I was offered the opportunity to participate in the study tour, I was really looking forward to it 

mainly to broaden my knowledge of coaching the game, but most especially to learn of what other 

leading Oceania countries like Australia were doing in the development of basketball. 

What I have learnt from the Study Tour in terms of game fundamentals, drills, offense and defense, 

the structure of the Australian basketball programs, its coaches and awesome facilities, was mostly an 

eye opener for me and has and will continue to guide my efforts and goals as a coach and to the 

development to our program. 

What I think is important, especially with our remoteness geographically, is being able to see what 

your neighbour is doing, good or bad, learning from those and then tailoring them to your needs. 

We’ve always used an island saying that goes “We bend the yam vines early in the morning”, 

meaning that it is easier to mold the child when younger. Yet, somehow our basketball program was 

not designed to include twelve and under aged kids. When I saw this program during the tour I was 

amazed at the kids level of proficiency. It rang true to what Mr Gaze’s message was all about ‘ “We 

are the product of our environment, and in order to improve our level of skills we have to measure 

ourselves against outside competition”. 

The tour was made even more fun and interesting by the numerous levels of training and 

competitions observed, their diverse locations all over Melbourne and including Canberra (sheep, 

sheep, but no kangaroo), the institutions and the time afforded by all level of officials to meet and talk 

with the group (four hours with Mr Gaze) and the openness in sharing information. 

All of these were made smoothly possible by key people from FIBA Oceania, whose connections, 

guidance and foresight especially Patrick Hunt, Judy Smith, Stuart Manwaring and Jon Hoyle made 

everyone feel welcome. We enjoyed ourselves, and the Australian experience, during and after hours 

and we thank them all very much. 

I have learned a lot, at the same time also learned how little I know, from this opportunity and will be 

sharing that with my fellow coaches. 

But there is nothing better than to see, participate and experience for yourself and I thank the FIBA 

Oceania organisation for this opportunity and kindly urge that they continue this assistance into the 

future. 

Theo Thinnifel 


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Report By Zone Development Officer, Stuart Manwaring 

Summary: 

The tour involved 7 coaches from the island countries, with varying degrees of knowledge. Overall, I 

thought that the tour was quite successful. 

The tour included a good blend of sessions, from individual ITCP sessions to squad sessions and 

games for scouting practice. Feedback from the coaches suggested that they enjoyed the individual 

and squad sessions very much and probably gained more from these than games. However, since the 

knowledge of scouting was quite low, the coaches did gain a lot in this area. 

I enjoyed the discussions with the coaches on what we were exposed to and also in finding out more 

about their involvement at home. I was able to discuss future visits and possible programs with those 

coaches that I will see again during the year in my visits to their countries. 

The opportunity to catch up with Jon and be able to discuss some of our work in the islands was also 

a bonus. 

The organisation of the tour was good and despite a hectic schedule on some days wasn’t too tiring. 

Recommendations: 

I thought that some of the suggestions made by the coaches for future tours were worthy of 

consideration. The idea of conducting a clinic for coaches just below the national coach level in each 

region is also worthy of consideration. 

Since the implementation of development programs is essential for each island country I believe that 

such sessions as we had in Bendigo are important in future tours. I recommend that at least 2 days be 

spent in such situations so that the coaches can gain more from seeing more of the program. I also 

recommend that such programs be provided in writing for the coaches to take home for considering 

how parts of the programs could be implemented within their country. 

Lindsay Gaze discusses basketball in the Pacific with the Oceania coaches 


13

y Judy Smith 

Operational Report: 

Accommodation: 

The chosen accommodation proved to be most suitable, although some participants were 

disappointed with the Albury facility. All venues were suitably priced, clean, mostly centrally located 

and where breakfasts provided they were fine. Melbourne Friendly Backpackers was centrally 

located in the heart of Melbourne, and proved a most satisfactory venue. 

The hotel experience was good, for it encouraged the group to mix more than motels, as usually the 

bedrooms came off a big central dining/TV room so we had the opportunity to talk together. The 

close proximity of reasonably priced food was also an advantage. 

Travel: 

The bus proved most satisfactory. With 22 seats for 11 people, everyone was able spread out. The 

luggage trailer was convenient, and allowed more room in the bus. Bus parking as arranged by the 

Backpackers in Melbourne was most suitable, and the 15 minute walk to the bus got everyone ready 

for the day. 

Food: 

The use of per diems for participants to eat at a place of their choice was very successful. Mostly we 

ate together, but when participants had other things to attend to, the per diems proved most 

successful. Breakfast was sometimes hard to schedule, as we left at 5.30am some mornings to get to 

some activities. The per diem of $35 per day was sufficient. 

Program and presenters: 

Absolutely fantastic – in every association, school, ITC we were warmly welcomed, coaches went out 

of their way to discuss with our coaches, explain their programs and provide positive motivation for 

the touring party. Our group was given t-shirts, caps, skills booklets, brochures and hand outs. 

Recommendations: 

� That we look at 2 different tours in future – funds allowing. 

One tour should be exclusively for experienced national coaches from federations with strong 

programs and a history of participation at Oceania events. Working with such a group would 

allow the program to be tailor-made for their needs only. Outcomes would be significantly 

improved if the group was more homogonous. 

The second level of tour would be a coach/administrator development tour, looking at 

association programs, school programs, miniball, junior representative programs. This tour 

would be aimed at dedicated association coaches and administrators who are content to remain 

in those roles and contribute to the development of basketball at that level – a level we are sorely 

missing in Oceania. It would be a reward also for those coaches and administrators with long 

standing involvement in domestic basketball who are not desiring to move to the national level. I 

include administrators here because I think we need to show them how competitions and 

programs can be organised, and how they can structure their associations – it is difficult for 

coaches to convince the administrators of the benefit of doing things differently, so let them 

experience this for themselves. 

� I would recommend that 1 development office and 1 office staff is a more suitable use of FIBA 

funds for a tour of this size, with the office staff looking after the logistics of the tour and the 

development office in charge of education. 

� The 14 day tour was very long. I know it is expensive to bring them here for shorter periods, but a 

condensed program in Melbourne, then to Bendigo would prove just as valuable for domestic 

coaches. The national coaches need to see the AIS, so that does pose some problems. Perhaps a 

review of costs might find that a one hour flight Melbourne to Canberra might be possible when 

taking into account the time factor, the accommodation, per diem and bus hire involved in the 

drive up and back (2 days lost basically). 


14

With Eddie Calic at Dandenong stadium 

Education session with Bendigo Basketball staff 

Observing training at Box Hill Secondary College 

Photo Gallery: 

On the road again!! 

The wrap-up luncheon with BA President, John Maddock 


15

OCEANIA COACHES STUDY TOUR REPORT - Fiba Oceania

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