about the camp

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Now in its 11th year, the Polly Camp is a residential camp that takes place in conjunction with a basketball tournament (usually the GB Masters tournament). 

The camp was introduced in memory of a former international referee Ian Pollard was active for 8 years. His desire and appetite to be the best not only for himself but for others was commendable. He refereed over 100 FIBA games and several international tournaments. He was an outstanding BBL referee, officiating BBL Championships, Cup and Trophy finals as well as working BE competitions. He officiated 369 national league games.

Just like Ian did, the camp was set up to support officials who aspired to be the best and reach their potential.

As part of his legacy, the “Polly Fund” was created to support the development of basketball officials. The fund significantly subsidises this camp to ensure that officials’ costs are kept to a minimum.

The camp offers focused learning and development for officials covering a wide range of topics in a classroom and on-court environment.

The Camp supports Basketball England's objective to develop officials and identify talent. It is an opportunity for individuals to showcase their skills and improve their craft as officials. Many campers from previous Polly Camps quickly moved on to officiating in NBL and SLB competitions.

Location: Cardiff

Arrival: 10:00 Friday 6 June 2025

Depart: 17:00 Sunday 8 June 2025

Cost: £80 - £285 depending on option

Cost includes tuition. Some options include accommodation & meals. The Ian Pollard Fund subsidises the running costs of this camp.

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EDUCATe & DEVELOP

WHO IS THE CAMP FOR?

Referee Camp Participant Requirements

• An active Level 2 or 3 referee
• Have aspirations to advance to the next level of your officiating
• Be ready to learn and improve your 3 person officiating
• Have an appetite to listen, evaluate and implement feedback

Table Official Camp Participant Requirements

• This year's Polly Camp table official offer has been extended to three groups
  1. L2 table officials who are looking to attend a L3 course (L3 candidate)
  2. Current L3 table officials looking for a refresher
  3. Newly qualified L2 table officials looking for a refresher and observation sign-off games. You must have completed the written exam associated with the L2 award to be eligible to attend and access sign off opportunities.
• Have aspirations to advance to the next level of your officiating
• Have an appetite to listen, evaluate and implement feedback

What you will get

• Tuition from active International & FIBA Officials
• High quality classroom sessions
• Opportunities to progress in your officiating career
• Quality feedback from high level officials
• Opportunity to join a wider network of officials
• Referees - Video feedback of your officiating (2 & 3 PO)
• Table Officials - option to complete written elements of L3 course (option 1) or option to obtain assessment games (option 3)

OBSERVATION - GAME REVIEW - FEEDBACK - SELF REFLECTION

A key element of the camp is the learnings you take from the practical games. In no other environment are you able to receive feedback and immediately put this into practice the very same day. With access to game footage, learning points from your post-match discussion can be reviewed after each game you officiate. Through observation and feedback the Instructors will discuss and evaluate your games so that you can reflect on your performance. Feedback areas will include:

• Individual Image such as signalling, administration, mechanics and for referees, movement around the court
• Improving areas relating to your personal camp goals
• 3PO Mechanics (Referees)
• Table Officiating Mechanics (Table Officials)
• Play Calling & Criteria (Referees)
• Your ability to learn, feedback & self evaluate effectively

Camp Costs

• Referees:
  • Residential - £285

• Table Officials:
  • Option 1 - L3 Candidate
    • Residential - £220
    • Non-residential - £115
  • Option 2 - L3 Refresher
    • Residential - £200
    • Non-residential - £90
  • Option 3 - L2 Refresher/Sign-Off Opportunity
    • Non-residential - £80

Residential includes B&B Friday and Saturday night in twin accommodation.

All options include the Polly Camp Dinner.