Robert Bald Retires from FIBA Commissioner Duties

This year sees Robert Bald retire from active duty as a FIBA commissioner after 17 exceptionally successful years. Robert has been one of the most successful commissioners in the modern game and has represented Scottish and British basketball admirably.

He began his role as commissioner back in 2004, having refereed internationally between 1982 and 1995. Robert’s final tournament was in August in Dublin, Ireland, for The FIBA European Championships for Small Countries 2021 where he announced his retirement.

One of Robert’s crowning moments was without a doubt his appointment as Crew Chief Commissioner for EuroBasket 2017. The competition saw the top European teams compete across Finland, Israel, Romania, and Turkey.

During his time as a commissioner, he helped hundreds of international referees and table officials improve and develop. His warm nature and attention to detail has ensured that crews under his watch have progressed and improved. Robert will no doubt leave the international game with lifelong friends in countries around the world.

Robert’s nominations were a testament to the dedication and professionalism he showed throughout the years both at home in Scotland and abroad in Europe, where he commissioned multiple EuroCup and Champions League matches as well as dozens of European Championships at varying age groups.

basketballscotland’s CEO, Kevin Pringle spoke highly of Robert’s achievements, going onto say: “Robert has a long and distinguished career as both a FIBA international Referee and Commissioner.  He has officiated some of the highest level games and tournaments and is highly respected throughout European and World Basketball. He has also supported the development of so many of our current Scottish officials and continually shares his experiences and gives so much back to basketball in Scotland. His commitment to our sport is unquestionable. Thank you Robert!”

We are sad to see Robert step down, but we hope that he enjoys his retirement from the international game, and hope to still see his face at games around Scotland.