OFFICIAL
Matthew Townsend
It is the nature of sport that referees receive little if any fanfare, but the career of Matthew Townsend is Hall of Fame worthy.
Matt began his refereeing career as many young men and women do in 1989, refereeing games around playing the game he is so passionate about, at the Hills Association, largely to earn some spending money as a teenager. His potential was identified, and he was quickly included in talent-based programs where he honed his craft. Matt continued progressing through the ranks, being selected for and refereeing at National Championships, State League, Waratah League and SEABL final series. Matt is still active at a local level, supporting aspiring officials and is a vital member of the tribunal team at Hills Basketball, the same association he has been a part of for 34 years.
Matt officiated 280 games in the National Basketball League. He was well respected for his technical acumen, approach to the game, and ability to communicate with coaches and players. As a senior referee on the NBL panel and always the consummate professional, Matt felt obligated to lead the development of fellow officials, a role he relished. Matt was selected to officiate numerous finals campaigns.
During his career, Matt was an active official for many seasons and had the privilege of serving as a referee for the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL). His dedication and hard work in this role enabled him to achieve great success, as he was fortunate enough to referee two grand finals in the 2008/09 and 2009/10 seasons.
He also excelled at the international level after being awarded his FIBA licence in 2009, overseeing games at the 2017 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup in Egypt and the Stankovic Cup in 2012 in Guangzhou, China, plus the Under 17 Oceania Championships in 2013 and 2015. Matt also officiated many Australian-friendly international games with distinction for both men and women.
At a local level, he has been a tremendous servant of basketball, officiating many games in the NSW Waratah League competitions for both seniors and juniors and becoming a valued mentor to several young referees, with several now officiating at the highest levels domestically and internationally. In 2009, he was awarded Referee of the Year at his local association, Hills Hornets. Matt has generously donated his time to mentor and develop referees throughout his career. He has shared his knowledge and experience with referees at all levels. Matt was also awarded the Waratah Australian Basketball League Referee Commissioners Referee of the Year Award in 2007.
One of the best basketball officials in the state of New South Wales, Matt is a worthy addition to the BNSW Hall of Fame.
Credit: Matt McQuade
Basketball NSW Hall of Fame Dinner
Date: Saturday, November 25th, Novotel Northbeach Wollongong
Time: 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start
Dress: Cocktail
Tickets: CLICK HERE to Purchase. Tickets are from $165 per person or $1550 per table of ten. Includes a three-course dinner, a 3-hour beverage package and a commemorative HoF booklet.