The Commonwealth Games burst into life in Birmingham this week.
And playing her part in the showpiece event that comes round every four years is a proud woman from Bridge of Earn.
Mariann Dodds-Miklosik has been nominated to officiate the sport of basketball.
She has plenty of experience behind her already and is definitely no stranger to the five versus five game having enjoyed eight successful FIBA 5v5 years – including refereeing at three European Youth Finals.
She started her 3x3 officiating journey when the opportunity presented itself for her to officiate at the Commonwealth Games qualifying tournament that Basketball Scotland held in April of this year.
After finding a passion for the new and exhilarating format, Mariann received an invitation to the next 3v3 FIBA clinic in Tel Aviv, Israel. It was an opportunity that she seized with two hands and went into with great enthusiasm.
Rising to the challenge, she went on to obtain a FIBA 3x3 C Licence and, in doing so, became Great Britain’s first ever 3x3 FIBA referee.
After the course, Mariann received her first nomination to officiate at an upcoming tournament, which just so happened to be the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“I am absolutely delighted with my first nomination, as you can imagine,” said Mariann.
“I have gained 17 years of 5v5 experience refereeing in Basketball England, Basketball Scotland and in the British Basketball League.
“However, to referee 3x3 I completely had to retrain my brain and body. The physical and mental intensity of these events is something I have never experienced with 5v5.
“3x3 is a constantly exhilarating, physical, and very tactical game, not to mention that is highly addictive.
“I am very proud and honoured to be part of the 3x3 family. I also have to thank Basketball Scotland for their ongoing support so far.”
Mariann, who often officiates with Perth Phoenix Basketball Club, is keen for more youngsters to get involved in the world of refereeing.
“I always look out and seek to mentor young referees, especially locally,” she said.
“Unfortunately refereeing isn’t the most sought after activity kids wish to get involved in - even though it offers to develop a huge range of skills. People management, planning and logistics, confidence building, keeping very fit and last but not least it’s a paid role compared to other roles.
“It can help save up for a driving license or even save up for the first car. University students often choose to referee to help with their living costs. It would be fantastic if a few students from the college wanted to qualify.”
Basketball Scotland’s head of basketball, Barry Lang, is sure Mariann will take the Commonwealth Games adventure in her stride and prove to be a real shooting star.
He commented: “Mariann really embraced our Commonwealth Games qualifier in Largs and was eager to gain more experience in the 3x3 format.
“Fortunately, an opportunity arose with a FIBA event in Israel and Mariann gained her 3x3 FIBA referee license.
“Being appointed to referee at Birmingham 2022 is a huge honour and I know that Mariann will thrive during the experience.”
