Canadian reffing NBA Summer League

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

And I hate to tell you this also, but the "40" in the "Fox 40" name refers to the co-inventor of the whistle, Joe Forte who is a current NBA official. The idea for the whistle came up when Foxcroft and Forte were working together at the Olympic Games. Forte and Foxcroft also knew each other from working some D1 games together. Foxcroft bought Forte out early iirc.

40 = Forte....and credit where credit is due.

Joe Forte #45

I just bought a new Fox Donaghy! Every time I blow it the point spread changes!

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

I just bought a new Fox Donaghy! Every time I blow it the point spread changes!

Now that's funny

[canuckrefguy]

Calgary referee climbing the ladder
Allan Maki

Globe and Mail Update Published on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010 8:24PM EDT Last updated on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010 8:25PM EDT

Michael Weiland’s ambition has taken him to the brink of basketball history.

The 29-year-old Calgarian was told Wednesday he has been selected as a referee for the NBA’s 16-team Development League. No Canadian has ever been hired to referee in the NBA, and Weiland admitted he still has a ways to go. But working in the D-League is a necessary first step, one that only 18 officials were invited to take this fall.

“I was more caught off guard when [George Tolliver, the NBA’s supervisor of D-League officials] called and invited me to the Summer League tryout,” said Weiland, who has been refereeing for 10 years now. “I had a feeling I did okay at the Summer League, but you never know. I’m from Canada. They haven’t had anyone from here before.”

Weiland handled three NBA Summer League games in Las Vegas last month and showed enough athleticism and court savvy to be given the chance to work his way up.

His father, John Weiland, officiated for more than 30 years in Canada and abroad. He was good enough to earn an NBA referee’s tryout in 1978 but didn’t make it. Weiland said it was a special moment being able to tell his dad about his selection Wednesday.

“He’s pretty good at not getting too over-excited but he was on cloud nine,” Weiland said of his father’s reaction. “The first six, seven years of my career was based on getting his insights.”

Asked about the possibility of being the first Canadian referee in the NBA, Weiland replied: “We float under the radar because basketball is not in the media as much in Canada. But in terms of referees, we’ve always been strong, especially internationally. I hope I make it. It’s always been my dream. I hope this is an opportunity where I can say to other guys, ‘Go to an NBA training camp. You never know.’”

Calgary referee climbing the ladder - The Globe and Mail

[JugglingReferee]

I've met John before. Great guy and superb official. It's no surprise that his son is where he is.

BTW, Michael is at least the third Canadian official to make it to an NBA tryout.

[GoodwillRef]

Do they use FIBA rules in the D-League?

[Ref_in_Alberta]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

I've met John before. Great guy and superb official. It's no surprise that his son is where he is.

BTW, Michael is at least the third Canadian official to make it to an NBA tryout.

Mike was hired this week which makes him the 1st Canadian official to get the job.

Congrats, Mike!

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Ref_in_Alberta

Mike was hired this week which makes him the 1st Canadian official to get the job.

Congrats, Mike!

Sorry - amend my post to read "...invited to am NBA tryout camp."

I'll agree that nobody has reached the level he has.