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Become a Referee

Why become a Referee?

There are lots of reasons why people get involved in refereeing. Some of the common reasons are:

  • Friendships: Officiating creates and sustains friendships that last a lifetime
  • Keep Fit: Officiating will keep you fit both physically and mentally
  • Opportunities for all: Officiating is open to everyone; you just need to be ready to have fun
  • Income: Officiating allows you to get to do something you love and get paid for it.
  • Life Skills: Officiating requires a unique skill set, communication skills, time management, dedication and teamwork. These same skills can equally be called upon on the job, in school or at home.
  • Stay Connected: Some Officials were capable players in their day. Others rode the bench but still love the game. Officials stay engaged and a part of the game they once played. The connection lasts well beyond their playing careers.

Get ready to challenge yourself and start one of the most rewarding jobs you’ll ever have!

The first step for most juniors in becoming a referee is by attending the “Community (Level O) Referee Course”, this course will provide you with the basics and will set you up to be able to officiate junior games of basketball.  On-court you can expect to receive on-court training during domestic competitions and receive one-on-one coaching support.

Lastly, make sure you keep checking out the calendar section of our site for upcoming clinics and courses.

Upcoming Referee Courses
Basketball NSW

Officials Pathway

Association COMMUNITY Referee Course

Suited for 12 – 15 years old or anyone new to the sport of basketball looking to become a domestic (local) competition referee.
This is a basic introductory online referee course with 90 minutes to 2 hours theory. 
Minimum age to attend this course is 12 years.
 Community course content;

  • Preparing for a game
  • Basic rules and signals
  • Basic referee mechanics
  • Referee pathways

Course includes;
Course workbook, community (beginner) rulebook, fox40 whistle & lanyard, online exam – course certificate when completed.
On court training is required at your association on local competition games, when you have met Community level referee requirements on court by a qualified referee instructor you can wear a green shirt and can referee U8 – U14’s domestic competition games.

Association DEVELOPMENT Referee Course

Suited for 13 – 15 years old who have previously attended a community referee course or 16 years to adults who have a little bit of basketball experience, looking to become a domestic (local) competition referee or become a BNSW Junior Waratah League referee.
The Development referee course is about 3.5 hours of theory. Minimum age to attend this course is 13 years. This course is the minimum requirement to referee in our BNSW Waratah Junior Leagues.
Development course content;

Entry Level;

  • Communication
  • Mechanics
  • Calling of the game – Rules
  • Professionalism
  • Game administration
  • Game control
  • Reports / tribunals
  • Referee pathways

Course includes;
Course workbook, FIBA rule, fox40 whistle & lanyard, online exam – course certificate when completed.
When you have met the development level on court requirements by a qualified referee instructor.  A Development referees wears a black & white referee shirt and can referee U8 – U18’s domestic competition games (level of competition subject to referees age), wears BNSW Junior Waratah League referee shirt and can referee U12’s – U16G’s representative games (level of competition subject to referees age).

Association INTERMEDIATE Referee Course

Suited for Development level referees who are 15 years old or older, whether it be to develop your skills to referee domestic (local) competition or Waratah Junior Leagues. 
The Intermediate referee course is about 3.5 hours of theory, anyone wishing to attend this course must be a minimum age of 15 years of old and already attended a development course and met the development match assessments.
Intermediate course content;

Intermediate Level;

  • Communication
  • Mechanics
  • Calling of the game – Rules
  • Professionalism
  • Game Administration 
  • Game control
  • Reports / tribunals
  • Referee pathways

Course includes;
Course workbook, FIBA rulebook, FIBA IOT book (individual officiating techniques), online exam – course certificate when completed.
When you have met the intermediate level on court requirements by a qualified referee instructor.  Intermediate referees wear black & white referee shirt and can referee U8 – Senior domestic games, wears BNSW Junior Waratah League referee shirt and can referee U12’s – U18’s representative games (level of competition subject to referees age).

Association ADVANCED Referee Course

Suited for Intermediate level referees who are 16 years old or older, whether it be to develop your skills to referee domestic (local) competition or Waratah Junior Leagues.
The Advanced referee course is about 3.5 hours of theory, anyone wishing to attend this course must be a minimum age of 16 years of old and already attended a intermediate course and met the intermediate match assessments.
Intermediate course content;

Advanced Level;

  • Communication
  • Mechanics
  • Calling of the game – Rules
  • Professionalism
  • Game Administration 
  • Game control
  • Reports / tribunals
  • Referee pathways

Course includes;
Course workbook, FIBA rulebook, FIBA IOT book (individual officiating techniques), FIBA OBRI book (interpretations), online exam – course certificate when completed.
When you have met the advanced level on court requirements by a qualified referee instructor.  Advanced referees weas black & white referee shirt and can referee U8 – Senior domestic games, wears BNSW Junior Waratah League referee shirt and can referee U12’s – U18 JPL representative games.

Becoming a basketball referee is the easiest call you’ll ever make!

Please complete the online form below and one of our staff will be in contact with you to match you with the right course.

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