Becoming a Referee
Our referee program is a vital part of our organization, and we take pride in providing opportunities for referees to develop their skills and officiate a wide range of games. Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a referee and the different levels of progression within our program.
Our Referee Program
We currently have a dedicated team of over 50 referees who officiate over 130 domestic and representative games every week. This ensures that our competitions run smoothly and fairly. As part of our commitment to development, several of our referees are on Basketball Victoria panels, with one of them, Bianca Vernon, being on the prestigious WNBL panel.
Development Pathways
At SPBA, we offer various development pathways for referees to enhance their skills and advance their officiating careers. One of our key pathways is through attending Basketball Victoria Country Championship events, where referees can gain valuable experience. Additionally, our referees receive regular evaluations from our own referee coaches, providing constructive feedback and guidance to help them improve.
Becoming a Referee
If you’re interested in becoming a referee, we offer a beginner referee school once per term. This comprehensive course equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to start your journey as a basketball referee.
Click here to register for the next school
Already a Graded Official?
If you are already a graded official looking to join our team, we welcome you! We are always seeking skilled and dedicated referees to officiate our games. To express your interest, please contact us with your grade and availability. For any referee administration queries, feel free to reach out to Dan Munns, our Officials Administrator, at officials@sthpen.com.au.
Different Levels of Referees
Contact Information:
For more information about our referee program, please feel free to reach out to the following individuals:
- Daniel Munns (Officials Administrator) – officials@sthpen.com.au
Referee rosters, administration and general queries - Tony Newsome (Referee Development Officer) – aussienewsome@yahoo.com.au
Referee development - Bianca Vernon (Elite Referee Development Officer) – biancajaynevernon@gmail.com
Elite referee development and female participation
We use a grading system that allows referees to progress based on their performance and experience. Upon successfully completing the beginner referee course, you will be assessed and graded by one of our Referee Development Officers (RDO), achieving a Level C qualification. This enables you to officiate in our domestic competitions.
Within six to twelve months of gaining your Level C grading, you will undergo further ongoing assessment by Supervisors and RDOs. If you demonstrate comfort and confidence with the whistle, you may be upgraded to Level C+ by one off our RDOs.
The next step is to undertake a B grade school which equips you with the skills to be assessed to achieve your B grade and subsequent B+.
The next level is to become a Level A referee, you must undertake a course conducted by your a qualified advisor. This course prepares you for officiating at the highest level of competition within our association. Once you reach Level A, you may be nominated by your Referee Advisor to officiate on the prestigious Victorian Junior Panel, where you will referee the best junior basketballers in the state.
Continuing your progression, after completing a year on the Junior Panel, you will have the opportunity to undertake the Level 1 referees course and potentially referee for the Big V, an exciting achievement. Exceptional referees may also be identified by Basketball Australia for the National Referees Development Program.
The ultimate goal is to progress to Level 2, 3 and 4, and based on your outstanding performance, you may be selected onto the National Panel. Referees on the National Panel officiate top Australian basketball games, including NBL1, Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), and National Basketball League (NBL). It’s worth noting that referees with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) license, the highest obtainable level, have the opportunity to officiate at World Championships and Olympic Games.
Association referees for Domestic Competition and VJBL games are appointed and overseen by the SPBA.
The SPBA is affiliated by Basketball Victoria and their respective referee department. We work in collaboration with Basketball Victoria to grow and develop our referee program.
FIBA Rules – CLICK HERE
Basketball Victoria Officials – CLICK HERE
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