Russian referees did not officiate Euroleague and ULEB cup games for three years. Only this season two names appeared in the list of 98 published by ULEB in the middle of July. They are Vladimir Okhrimenko from Ufa and Sergey Mikhailov from Moscow. The first name is familiar to the fans and public. Okhrimenko became the first referee to deliver the technical foul on CSKA ex-coach Dusan Ivkovic.
The second referee did not officiate any CSKA game last season but was chosen to work in the Euroleague. That is the reason for us to make the interview.
What is the reason for you to be chosen from all the Russian referees?
- I guess I have no idea. I know that ULEB and FIBA Europe agreement put some regulations on the referee transfer from one competition to another but I don’t know if Russian Basketball Federation was involved in the process or what kind of criteria they use.
The Euroleague already had the Clinic for the newcomers. Is there any difference between it and the clinics you got used to in Russia?
- All the Clinics we had lately had the same scenery – we watch the video and have the theoretical part. The only extra we had in the ULEB Clinic was a chance to officiate at the Clinic.
Did you learn anything new at the Clinic?
- The best thing for me at the Clinic is the fact that the Euroleague and FIBA pay so much attention to the referees.
If you would be able to choose what Euroleague game you would like to officiate?
- All the referees want to officiate a high level games such as the Finals or the games of the leaders. Let’s take as an example Maccabi-Tau game. If the referee officiates the kind of game it means he is a high class professional. And of course if one does a good job at the game it brings a great satisfaction and understanding that you are among the best as well as the players and the coaches of these teams.
Would you please describe your style of the refereeing. It is not a secret that some of the referees do their best to make all the moves spectacular…
- I don’t want the refereeing to become a performance when no one wants it. For example it is not necessary to be spectacular in the games of the young teams. But when the situation allows the referee to make a small show… Why should I miss the chance?
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