After officiating more than 230 games in the National Basketball League, NSW official Matt Beattie has announced that his whistle won’t be blown again.
His last ever game was at the 2018 Commonwealth Games were he was appointed as the crew chief to the men’s bronze medal game.
“Finishing up on the Gold Coast in front of close family and friends is also an experience I will cherish forever,” said Matt
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to work games in the NBL, I still recall my first ever NBL game, way back in 2004 with Wattsy and Alison Ross in Newcastle (of all places!) where the Pirates (of all teams!) beat the Gaze-led Tigers.”
He added “I can also recall my game #234 in the final round last season at a packed-out Hisense where Goulding and co. beat the Perth Wildcats on the way to winning the Championship”.
“There is no doubt in my mind that I have given a lot to basketball and basketball has given a lot to me right back. I never thought I would be have had the chance to see a good part of the country and the world doing something I loved, stand toe to toe with some amazing players and mind to mind with some wily coaches. It’s been tough, it’s been exhilarating and a huge, huge thrill and one that has given me life-long mates.”
“I have been fortunate to have some brilliant mentors and coaches who have invested time in me to become a better referee and person. I am super, super grateful for their time, energy and commitment to my growth – thank you!”
Matt Beattie – a member of the Bankstown Basketball Association and previously with the City of Sydney and St George Basketball Associations’.
Career Highlights include:
- Awarded his FIBA licence in 2009
- 234 NBL Games
- 2018 Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast
- 2017 FIBA U19 Men’s Basketball World Cup, Egypt
- 2015 NBA Summer League.
- 2014 Stankovic Cup.
- 2011 FIBA U19 Women’s World Championships in Chile
- Junior European Championships.