Welcome to the BMBA Referee Program. As a referee, you play a crucial role in ensuring that basketball games are conducted fairly, safely, and in accordance with the rules. This handbook serves as a comprehensive guide to your responsibilities before, during, and after games, as well as outlining expectations for professionalism, uniform standards, and ongoing development. Whether you are just starting your journey or advancing to higher levels, this resource will help you navigate your role and responsibilities as a referee.

Introduction #

Officiating basketball requires skill, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By adhering to the guidelines in this handbook, referees contribute to a positive and fair playing environment for all participants. Whether officiating at the community level or progressing to higher levels, each referee plays a valuable role in upholding the integrity of the game. Continued learning and engagement in the development pathway will ensure that BMBA maintains a high standard of officiating now and in the future. All referees are encouraged to approach their role with professionalism and a commitment to growth.

Registration #

To become a referee with BMBA, all officials must complete the required registration process. This ensures referees are covered under insurance, receive important communications, and are assigned games based on their level and availability.

• Registration must be completed through BasketballConnect.
• Annual registration renewal is required to maintain active referee status.
• Registration fees, if applicable, must be paid in full before referees can be assigned to games.

Registration costs belong to the individual and will not be reimbursed or waived. Financial assistance programs are available to all members if needed.

If also registered as a player, no additional referee registration fees are required, however you are still required to register as a referee within BasketballConnect to ensure the system recognises you and enables your access to the availability tracker and roster.

Uniform and Equipment #

Maintaining a professional appearance is a key part of being a referee. Your uniform reflects your authority on the court and helps ensure that you are easily identifiable.

• For regular season social games, referees must wear:
  • predominantly black pants or shorts
  • their assigned referee shirt
  • a long sleeve undershirt (preferably black or similar) may be worn in colder months
  • Running shoes. (preferably black or neutral colours)
• For all playoff games and any tournaments or events where BMBA/Magic is represented, full uniform is required which includes:
  • Black dress pants
    • Plain black shorts may be worn during extreme temperatures (30°C and above)
  • Plain black running shoes with black socks
  • Your assigned referee shirt (must be tucked it)

Hair should be neatly presented and tied back if shoulder length or longer.

A smart watch and/or flat wedding band may be worn but no other jewellery is permitted (e.g. no necklaces, bracelets, earring, rings etc)

Please note that individual tournaments (e.g. Wester Junior Leage) may have different uniform and jewellery requirement which must be followed at all times.

Provision of Referee Shirts and Whistles #

Uniforms vary based on experience level, and BMBA provides necessary items to support referees as they progress through the ranks. Below are the uniform requirements and provisions for referees at different levels.

• Trainee referees must provide their own predominantly white t-shirt.
  • Jerseys and t-shirts with large logos, prints or patterns are not permitted
• BMBA will loan a green referee shirt to all Community referees. It must be returned upon promotion to the Development level.
• Development referees will be provided with a black and white striped shirt, which is theirs to keep.
  • This will not be issued, and your pay will not increase until your green shirt is returned.
• Additional black and white striped shirts are available for purchase.
• Each referee is provided with one whistle free of charge; additional whistles can be purchased for $5 each (deducted from your pay that week – we do not accept other forms of payment).
• All other uniform items are your personal responsibility e.g. pants, shorts, shoes etc.

Staying Up to Date on Rules #

Basketball rules are constantly evolving, and it is essential for referees to stay informed about changes to ensure consistent and fair officiating. Referees are expected to take responsibility for their ongoing education and understanding of the rules.

• All referees must download and regularly review the FIBA iRef Academy app.
• All referees must read and understand the BMBA Competition By-Laws and other relevant local policies
• BMBA will provide rule updates through WhatsApp and training sessions. Referees must stay engaged with these communications.
• Attendance at scheduled referee training sessions and workshops is encouraged and may be required for continued rostering.
• When in doubt about a rule interpretation, referees should seek clarification from senior referees or the referee coordinator.
• Referees are encouraged to review Glory League footage of their games to self-assess performance. The Referee Coordinator will also leverage game footage for ongoing evaluation and development.

Conduct and Behaviour #

Referees are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism at all times. This includes maintaining a respectful demeanour, communicating effectively with players, coaches, and fellow referees, and ensuring that games are officiated fairly and consistently.

Adherence to the BMBA Code of Conduct is mandatory. The full Code of Conduct can be accessed on the BMBA website, and referees are expected to familiarise themselves with its policies. Violations (including Technical Fouls issued to you as a player) may result in your removal from the officiating roster.

Availability and Rosters #

Ensuring that games are covered with appropriate referees requires clear and consistent communication regarding availability. Referees are expected to keep their availability updated and respond promptly to rostering requests.

• Availability must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance through BasketballConnect
• Rosters are published on BasketballConnect in 2-week blocks
  • Seniors are published every second Monday
  • Juniors are published every second Wednesday
• All referees (or their parent) must join the relevant referee group chat/s on WhatsApp for the competitions they officiate. Roster updates, schedule changes, and important announcements will be communicated via WhatsApp. Referees must check messages regularly.
• If a referee becomes unavailable after being rostered, they must notify the referee coordinator as soon as possible.
• Failing to show up for a scheduled game without prior notice may result in reduced future assignments.
• Referees who consistently communicate their availability and fulfill their commitments will be prioritised for future rostering.

Pre-game #

Preparation is key to officiating a successful game. Referees must:

• Arrive at least 10 minutes before their scheduled game time (20 minutes for the first match of the day).
• Check in with the referee coordinator or court supervisor upon arrival.
• Conduct player check-ins on the scoresheet and ensure compliance with jewellery and fingernail regulations.
• Communicate with their partner to align expectations and responsibilities.
• Complete all pregame tasks no later than two minutes before game commencement.

In-Game #

Referees are responsible for ensuring that the game is played fairly and within the rules. Effective communication with players, coaches, and co-referees is essential.

• Approach the team benches when calling teams onto the court at the start of the game, after timeouts, and at halftime.
• If disputes or unclear situations arise, consult the referee coordinator. The court supervisor can assist with issues involving spectators or if a coordinator is not present.
• Avoid prolonged discussions with players or coaches about calls—provide concise and professional explanations.
• Ensure decisions are consistent and in accordance with FIBA and BMBA rules.
• Players should not be shooting during timeouts, and spectators must remain off the court. Shooting may occur between games and during half time breaks.
• Referees are to use timeouts for coaching and game management discussions as needed.

Post-game #

After the game, referees must:

• Ensure any incidents, injuries, technical and unsportsmanlike fouls are recorded on the BasetballConnect scoresheet
• Confirm the scoresheet in BasketballConnet.
• Return the game ball to the score table.
• Notify the referee coordinator in-person of any incidents, injuries, technical and unsportsmanlike fouls that they were not aware off / involved in resolving.
• Check in with the referee coordinator, or court supervisor before leaving the venue to ensure you have signed off on the record of your games.

General Gameday Behaviours #

• Referees must remove or fully cover their referee shirt when not officiating a game.
• Shooting or participating in drills while on officiating duties / in uniform is not permitted.

Referee Payments #

Referees are compensated based on their level of experience:

• Trainee / Shadow Referee – $5 per game (White Shirt)
• Community Referee – $10 per game (Green Shirt)
• Development Referee – $15 per game (Black & White Stripes)
• Intermediate Referee – $20 per game (Black & White Stripes)
• Advanced Referee – $25 per game (Black & White Stripes)

Referees that are required to officiate a senior game without a partner will be paid a $10 bonus.

Referees will be paid for all forfeits that occur within 24 hours of the commencement of the game. All forfeits with more than 24 hours’ notice will not be paid.

Payments are processed electronically via BasketballConnect on a weekly basis. All referees must ensure they have provided appropriate bank account details within BasketballConnect to receive payment. Cash payments are no longer provided.

Referees will still need to sign a record of the games they officiated prior to leaving the courts. This record will be reconciled against the roster to ensure any last-minute changes to the roster are captured in the weekly pay run.

It is the referee’s responsibility to ensure they receive their payment. Any discrepancies should be reported to the referee coordinator immediately.

Referees aiming to increase their earnings should focus on advancing through the development pathway by attending training sessions, completing assessments, and gaining experience in higher-level games.

Referee Development Pathway #

BMBA follows the structured referee development pathway established by Basketball Australia to help officials progress in their officiating careers:

Progression requires referees to complete relevant training courses and on-court assessments. Continued development is encouraged through mentorship, education, and feedback from experienced referees and coaches.

Referee Support Team #

For any questions, concerns, or support related to refereeing please use your WhatsApp chat.  

Your key contacts are:

• Referee Coordinators: For rostering, availability issues, feedback, in-game support, payments, development opportunities, general referee administration, and rule and policy clarifications:
  • Brendan Martin
  • Bridget Stansfield

All referees are encouraged to communicate proactively and seek support when needed.

Conclusion #

Thank you for being a part of the BMBA officiating team. Your dedication and professionalism are crucial in ensuring a fair and enjoyable experience for all players, coaches, and spectators. As a referee, you are not just enforcing the rules—you are fostering sportsmanship and contributing to the growth of basketball in our community.

We encourage you to stay engaged, continue developing your skills, and seek support when needed. Remember, every game is an opportunity to improve and make a positive impact. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the referee support team.

We appreciate your hard work and commitment—see you on the court!