3x3 Basketball Takes Center Stage at the Pacific Games: Troy Earle's Journey Empowering Local Officials

HONIARA (Solomon Islands) – 3x3 basketball will be making its appearance for the second time at the Pacific Games 2023 with technical officials gearing up for the event.

Boosting the capacity of the host nation, the Solomon Islands, 3x3 technical official training is underway further Empowering the National Federation to facilitate basketball development for a major event and beyond.

Troy Earle, from Australia travelled to the Solomon Islands to train officials for this year’s pinnacle event.  Despite being ineligible for 5 on 5 official games, Earle found an alternative pathway in 3x3.  He fell in love with the culture of the game, the positive environment, and the high pace.

“I believe 3x3 magnifies the core fundamentals of basketball with its focus on speed, stamina, and skill it also provides a mental challenging to both the officials and players,” Earle said.

In addition, Earle emphasized the fact that 3x3 exposes any weakness in these core basketball skills and similarly with officiating which makes teamwork the essence of success. 

“3x3 has an inclusive and participation-based community approach bringing together the spectators, the players, and the officials in a hugely fun environment where passion is promoted, and this also allows basketball to grow in less privileged countries,” Earle said.

The training course conducted by Earle in the Solomon Islands was separated into two phases. The first part consisted of theoretical lessons which allowed the participants to learn the fundamentals of 3x3 and go through more advanced officiating principles.  The second phase was about putting what they had learned into practice so they could better understand the mechanics of the game.  On this occasion, several teams from the Solomon Islands played multiple games in front of nearly 200 spectators discovering a new format of basketball.

“The most enjoyable thing was the excitement and passion from not only the players and the participants but school kids who during lunch break would come and watch and shoot on the spare court,” Earle said.

The Pacific Games will highly benefit the Solomon Islands according to Earle as infrastructure is being upgraded and created to facilitate sporting outcomes for the Games which will leave a legacy for the community.

FIBA Executive Director – Oceania, Amanda Jenkins said that developing the capacity of technical officials for events such as the Pacific Games is a great opportunity for the host federations to capitalize on training opportunities.

“The Pacific Games provide a platform for national federations to play the best basketball teams in from across the region,” Jenkins said.  “It also provides technical officials, including referees, with the opportunity to participate and develop their officiating skills.”

“3x3 is now an important part of the competition network in Oceania and 3x3 at the Pacific Games will enable more national federations to play at this level.”

Reflecting on his trip to the Solomon Islands and the growth of 3x3, Earl said that he feels privileged to be able to facilitate training ahead of the Pacific Games.

“3x3 has an inclusive and participation-based community approach bringing together the spectators, the players, and the officials in a hugely fun environment where passion is promoted, and this also allows basketball to grow in less privileged countries,” Earle said.

FIBA