Referees
Referees are the backbone of every game — keeping basketball safe, fair and played in the right spirit. Find out how to get involved, from your very first whistle to the international stage.
Referee Support
Our referees are supported by dedicated officials committed to developing and mentoring officials at every level of the game.
- 🏀Provides guidance, mentorship and oversight to support WBA referees across all competitions.
- 🏀Accredited Referee Coach focused on the development and progression of referees within the association.
What does a referee do?
Like most sports, basketball has referees whose job is to ensure the game is played according to the rules — safely and fairly.
During a game a referee makes hundreds of decisions — judging when a violation or foul occurs and stopping play to issue the correct penalty. Often the call is "no call". Unlike players, referees are on court for the whole game, working as a team to do the best job possible: two referees in most games, three at higher levels. It isn't easy — but it's incredibly rewarding.
Before the Game
Arrive at least 10 minutes before tip-off to check that:
- Both teams have completed the scoresheet and players are in correct uniform
- All equipment is ready (ring height, ball size, etc.)
- Scorers and statisticians are present and ready
During the Game
Ensure the game is played to the rules, including:
- Stopping play for violations, fouls, time-outs and substitutions
- Applying any local competition timing or rule variations
- Working as a team with the second (and third) referee on court
After the Game
Check the scoresheet and sign off that the game was completed correctly. Whether paper or tablet, the score must be verified and recorded accurately.
Local Rules
Local competitions often vary timing and other conditions to suit the number of games. Referees confirm and apply the specific rules in use for each competition they officiate.
Why referee?
There are lots of great reasons people get into refereeing. Some help only at their local association, others aspire to state, national or international competition — the pathway means everyone can take part at the level that suits them.
Green Shirt Referee Program
New to officiating? The Green Shirt Referee Program is a free, one-day come-and-try at the Warragul Leisure Centre — learn the game from the other side of the whistle, then decide if you'd like to take it further. No experience needed.
Rules of the Game
The fundamentals every official needs — violations, fouls and how the game is controlled.
Referee Signals
The hand signals and mechanics that communicate every decision clearly.
Court Positioning
Where to be and how to move to get the best possible angle on the play.
Communication
Managing the game, working with your fellow official and building confidence.
Working as a Crew
How two and three-referee teams share the court and back each other up.
On-Court Practice
Put it all into practice with hands-on time refereeing live play.
- 🏀Pam will guide participants through the day and answer questions about the refereeing pathway.
- 🏀[Add a short bio / experience line for Pam here.]
Spots are free but registration is required. A parent or guardian should complete the form below on behalf of the participant.
Green Whistle Program
The Green Whistle initiative reflects Basketball Victoria's commitment to a safe, supportive and respectful environment for everyone — especially young referees. It supports officials under 18 by raising awareness of their age and encouraging 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 — a welcoming environment where 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 across their community channels
- Referee Supervisors, Referee Coaches and Venue Supervisors monitor sideline behaviour and offer support as needed
- The initiative aligns with Basketball Victoria's Child Safeguarding policy
Becoming a referee
Refereeing rewards your commitment to the game: engage at times that suit your lifestyle, stay active, meet new people and share great experiences. As the pathway below shows, it can take you all the way to the WNBL, NBL and even the Olympics.
Get started — contact Kate Collins
Interested in becoming a referee? Reach out to Kate directly to express your interest. She'll guide you through the next steps and connect you with the association(s) most relevant to you.
Referee pathway
The referee pathway takes officials from their first game all the way to the world stage. Here's how the journey unfolds.
Trainee
The average trainee is around 14 years old. Most associations run beginner schools through the year — a 12-week course with theory and on-court components, supported by a mentor.
C Grade
After completing the trainee course you become a 'C' Grade referee. Most stay here 6–12 months depending on confidence and execution, mainly officiating junior domestic competitions.
B Grade
A 'B' Grade referee is more likely to officiate senior games. Over the next year or two, those who show aptitude are identified for an 'A' Grade school.
A Grade
An 'A' Grade school is run by a senior local educator, covering Mechanics, Presentation, Calling of the Game, Communication and Technical Control. It's the highest honour a local association can award.
Level 1
Associations nominate their most talented, committed referees. Candidates are assessed by Basketball Victoria, complete theory and fitness tests, and attend an action day. Successful referees join the VJBL or Country Basketball League (CBL) panels.
Level 2
To progress to Level 2, a referee must meet all VJBL/CBL requirements and be assessed as ready to move into the Senior State League (Big V).
Level 3
A Level 3 referee is suited to the strongest Big V divisions. A select few are considered for the most elite state competition, NBL1 — a very high honour.
Level 4 — NBL / WNBL
Referees identified by Basketball Australia and the NBL to officiate the national competitions — the WNBL and the NBL — are accredited as Level 4 officials.
Level 5 — International / Olympics
Referees can be nominated by Basketball Australia for selection by FIBA to officiate internationally — at competitions such as the Olympics and World Championships. These officials hold Level 5 accreditation.
