Ontario Basketball Appoints Dr. Ardavan Eizadirad as OSBA Officials’ Assignor

Ontario Basketball (OBA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ardavan Eizadirad as the new Officials’ Assignor for the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association (OSBA).   

Dr. Eizadirad brings over two decades of officiating experience across grassroots, post-secondary, professional, and international levels, including the OCAA, OUA, NBLC/BSL, and Wheelchair Basketball Canada. He is a Level 4 National Officials Certification Program (NOCP) certified official, Level 3 NCCP as a basketball coach, and has officiated at prestigious international events such as the 2023 Parapan American Games and the 2025 Wheelchair Basketball Americas Championships.  

In addition to his extensive on-court experience, Dr. Eizadirad has held key leadership and administrative roles, including serving as Liaison Officer for the Toronto Association of Basketball Officials (TABO). He has over five years of experience managing assignments, evaluations, and payments through Arbiter Sports and is committed to aligning officiating programs with Canada Basketball and Canadian Basketball Officials Commission (CBOC) development standards and pathways. 

Beyond officiating, Dr. Eizadirad is an Associate Professor at Wilfrid Laurier University and the Founder and Director of EDIcation Consulting. His work as an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) consultant, coupled with his leadership with community-based organizations such as the Youth Association for Academics, Athletics, and Character Education (YAAACE), underscores his commitment to fostering inclusive environments both on and off the court. 

“OBA and OABO’s collaborative approach to the selection process demonstrates our shared commitment to ensuring the highest standards of officiating,” said Carmelo Mallia, Vice President, High Performance and Basketball Development. “Dr. Eizadirad’s unique blend of officiating excellence, administrative expertise, and dedication to equity and inclusion makes him the ideal choice to help guide the OSBA officiating program forward.” 

As OSBA Assignor, Dr. Eizadirad will oversee game assignments, evaluations, and mentoring initiatives, while working closely with coaches, officials, and league administrators to ensure a consistent standard of excellence. He has outlined a vision that includes streamlining how to identify and develop emerging officials, enhance official–coach communications, and implement equity-focused mentorship and evaluation systems. 

 Ontario Basketball welcomes Dr. Eizadirad to his new role and looks forward to the positive impact his leadership will have on the OSBA and the officiating community across Ontario.