GET INVOLVED

    REFEREE PATHWAYS

    There are a number of ways for you to become an official within the Victorian basketball community.

    The most common place to start is as a referee. Referees officiate all levels of basketball where they learn communication skills, teamwork and conflict resolution.

    If you are interested in becoming a referee please click this button so we can best determine the association(s) most relevant to you:

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    GREEN WHISTLE MEANS

    UNDER 18 NOT INEXPERIENCED

    The Green Whistle initiative demonstrates Basketball Victoria’s commitment to creating a safe, supportive and respectful environment for everyone in our basketball community, especially our young referees. This program supports referees under 18 by raising awareness of their age, fostering greater empathy and respect from players, coaches and spectators. 

    Why Green Whistle?
    • Protects referees under 18 and supports our commitment to the Victorian Child Safe Standards.
    • Builds respect and understanding towards young officials.
    • Encourages positive sideline behaviour, creating a welcoming and supportive environment where our under-18 referees can learn, develop and enjoy the game.
    How It Works:
    • Referees under 18 use a green whistle during games.
    • Participating associations promote the initiative to their community via various communication channels.
    • Referee Supervisors, Referee Coaches and Venue Supervisors monitor sideline behaviour and offer support as required.
    • The initiative aligns with Basketball Victoria’s Child Safeguarding policy.

    Together, we can make a real difference and build a more respectful basketball community. 

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    REFEREE LEVELS EXPLAINED

    TRAINEE

    The average age of a trainee is 14 years old. Most associations run beginner schools throughout the year. It is a 12 week course that has a theory component and an on-court component where the trainee is supported by a mentor.

    Once a referee is successful in their trainee course they are considered a ‘C’ Grade referee. Most ‘C’ referees remain at this level for 6-12 months depending on their confidence and execution. They will primarily referee junior domestic competitions.

    Once they move on to a ‘B’ Grade referee they are more likely to officiate senior games of basketball. During the next year or two and if they show an aptitude for officiating, they will be identified for an ‘A’ grade school.

    An ‘A’ Grade school is run by a senior local educator and will further educate referees in the following areas: Mechanics, Presentation, Calling of the Game, Communication and Technical Control.  Receiving your ‘A’ grade is the highest honour an official can receive from their local association.

    Transition from Local Association to State/National Body

    After officiating the strongest competition locally, a referee can determine if they would like to continue their journey to the State Leagues. This is a significant commitment and is based on both the ability of the referee and their professionalism. The Elite Leagues participate on a Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday and require travel throughout the State.

    LEVEL 1

    To become a Level 1 referee, the local association will nominate their most talented referees who are committed to becoming an elite referee.  Part of this commitment is to be assessed by Basketball Victoria, complete a theory & fitness test and attend an action day.  If you complete all the necessary requirements successfully, then you will be onto the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) or Country Basketball League (CBL) panels. 

    To be considered for Level 2, the referee needs to meet all requirements of the VJBL / CBL and be assessed as suitable to move into the Senior State League (Big V).

    To obtain a Level 3 accreditation, a referee is identified as being suitable to referee the strongest divisions within Big V. A select few Level 3 referees will be considered for the most elite competition within the State (NBL1) which is a very high honour.

    Referees who are identified by Basketball Australia (BA) and the National Basketball League (NBL) to officiate in their respective national competitions, the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) and the NBL, are accredited as a Level 4 official.

    Referees can be nominated by Basketball Australia to be selected by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to referee internationally in competitions such as the Olympics and World Championships.  These referees are awarded their Level 5 accreditation.