Peter Webb has been a major figure in Maine high school and college basketball for more than three decades.

Now, he will represent the state’s basketball interests on the international level. The 53-year-old Webb has been voted to the executive committee of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials.

Webb, a Houlton native and Hampden resident, was selected for the post during the IAABO’s annual world rules seminar last weekend in Toronto. The organization of approximately 14,000 officials regulate basketball officiating and rules worldwide.

“When you get right down to it, it’s really nice for Maine as much as it is for the individual,” Webb said. “The Executive Committee consists of 12 people. That’s where the presidents come from if someone has an interest in pursuing it and staying active in it.”

Webb, the state basketball commissioner for Maine, spent four days with IAABO members from across the U.S. as well as numerous foreign countries. In his position, he will have a voice in all action taken by the IAABO on an international level.

“There were roughly 200 people like myself representing areas, states and, in some cases, countries,” Webb said of the seminar. “The nuts and bolts was dealing with the current rule changes at the high school and college level as well as women and the FIFA, which is international.”

Hampden Academy continues to have the unfortunate distinction of owning the longest losing streak among all Maine schoolboy football teams.

The Broncos have lost their last 29 contests dating back to October of 1987. An HA team has not won since Oct. 3, 1977, when the Broncos beat Rockland 18-12.

However, HA Coach Bob Sinclair said he and his players do not discuss the matter. His rationale is sound.

“We figure it this way: every team is different and last year was my first year there. That team was 0-8. We don’t look at it as anything that’s on our backs or anything like that. They don’t need to carry the burden of past Hampden failures on their back.

“The kids just need as fair a shake as anybody else. They deserve the opportunity to be looked at as one of any number of high school football teams in eastern Maine. We prepare to try to win every game.”

The Eastern Maine Board of Approved Basketball Officials, No. 111, will conduct classes for prospective basketball officials tentatively set to begin Oct. 6.

The board services Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock, Waldo and Knox counties. Classes will be held on eight consecutive Sundays at 6 p.m. in Lengyel Hall, Room 125, at the University of Maine in Orono.

State Basketball Commissioner Webb will be the clinician. Former players, including women, coaches and other students of the game are encouraged to attend. Prospective officials must be at least 18.

The national examination will be given upon completion of the classes, with successful candidates progressing to officiate local junior high, freshman and JV games during the 1991-92 season.

Applications are available by contacting Webb in writing at 32 Ruth Ave., Hampden, ME 04444.