Ramon Johnson achieves first for SVG

Sion Hill resident Ramon Johnson has become the first Vincentian to be certified as a level one FIBA referees’ instructor.

This, after he attended a four-day FIBA Referee Instructors Programme (FRIP) course, which was staged in Panama, April 25-28.

With this certification, Johnson is now equipped to instruct basketball referees at the national level.

Humbled by his achievement, Johnson told SEARCHLIGHT that he is honoured to be the first Vincentian to have attended the course, which started two years ago.

“It is a great feeling for me and now that I have started, it will be up for me, as I certainly will be pursuing levels two and three,” Johnson said.

Reflecting on the four days of the course, Johnson deemed the period as “very intense”.

Before travelling to Panama, Johnson was involved in an online preparatory study for the course. This phase lasted for a six to eight week period.

Among the topics looked at during the sessions in Panama were varieties of learning and delivery styles, offensive and defensive patterns of play, along with court positioning of the referee, court position, court coverage, rotation, jump ball among others.

At the end of day two, three and four, an examination was given for each of the studies/ lectures conducted on the particular day.

Johnson, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, gained from the Manuel Fajardo University of Physical Culture and Sports Science in Cuba, is a physical education teacher at the Girls’ High School.

Before, Johnson graduated from the Bishop’s College Kingstown, as well as the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College.

And, apart from being a leading light in the Arnos Vale Basketball club and the Sion Hill Basketball team, Johnson is a member of the management outfit of the Sion Hill Football Club.