Seward Neilson Retires from AABO Executive

 
Seward started officiating in 1968 and is still blowing his whistle 52 years later (and counting!). He has worked at all levels of the game -- from youth to high school and adult leagues, as well as the Collegiate and University levels.  He has officiated at numerous NBIAA High School Final 12 Championships and multiple National Championships across the country.

In addition to being a very accomplished floor official, he joined the NBAABO executive in 1979 and served the game as the Provincial Interpreter from 1987-2020.  As Interpreter, Seward was responsible for the education of all basketball officials in New Brunswick, ensuring each official was brought up to speed on any new rules, interpretations, and mechanics that were introduced each year.
 
Seward also served as an Evaluator/Assignor at the ACAA,  AUS and USports level up until the conclusion of the 2012-2013 season.  In that role, it was his responsibility to assign all of the UNB home games and to travel to Fredericton to evaluate and counsel the University panel of officials. Having served in this role for nearly 20 years, he provided invaluable mentorship to a large generation of officials who have been and are working at the highest level of play in the province.
 
Neilson also served as a National Evaluator for 17 years with the Canadian Association of Basketball Officials (CABO), travelling to 15 National Championship tournaments to evaluate and mentor developing young officials.  

In 2018, CABO named Seward as an Honourary member, recognizing his years of service as an official.
 
NBAABO believes Mr. Neilson's on-court work, in combination with his contributions as Provincial Interpreter, the AUS Assignor/Evaluator and his work at the National level speak volumes for him as an official and as a person.

Seward's presence will be missed on the NBAABO Executive and BNB believes we speak for the entire New Brunswick basketball community when we say THANK YOU for your time and service to our game!