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VITAL,
FUN &
REWARDING
Whether you're just 10 years old or well into your 60s, there's a place for you on the court in the black and white.
You don’t need to be a basketball expert to get started—many of our referees begin with little or no basketball experience. Through training, mentorship, and time on the court, you’ll quickly build the confidence and knowledge needed to officiate games at a high standard. Some of our officials have decades of experience, while others are brand new to the sport, and that mix creates a great environment for learning and growth.
Refereeing also helps players develop a deeper understanding of the rules and flow of the game, which in turn makes them better players. It’s a great way to see the game from a new perspective and sharpen your basketball IQ—on and off the court.
Referees help keep the game running smoothly, fairly, and safely for everyone involved. By joining the referee team, you’re not only gaining new skills and friendships, but you're also helping to improve the quality of our competitions and reduce the load across the season by ensuring we have enough officials to cover all games.
If you're looking to build your confidence, earn a bit of pocket money, stay active, or just be more involved in our basketball community—refereeing could be perfect for you!
How do we support you?
Online Training
Basketball Queensland offers online training and certification for Referee Officials. It is free and open to all to review. Whether you're a parent or player wanting to understand the game more, or grab a whistle and give it a go.
Local Referee Courses
Atherton Basketball runs multiple referee courses annually. These are run by qualified referee instructors. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page and Club announcements to register for the next course.
On Court Mentorship
We encourage our referees to develop their skills by running on court alongside other referees to help build confidence.
Your training pathway
At Atherton Basketball, we proudly follow the Basketball Queensland Referee Education Pathway, which provides a clear, supportive, and progressive structure for developing your refereeing skills—from your very first game through to advanced officiating levels.
📘 Build Your Theory First
Your journey begins with learning the theory of the game—understanding the rules, court mechanics, referee signals, and game management. Basketball Queensland offers accessible online learning modules designed to help new referees get started at their own pace. These cover:
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Basic FIBA rules and interpretations
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Court positioning and movement
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Communication and whistle technique
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Game scenarios and decision-making
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These resources are designed for all ages and abilities, whether you're a junior learning the ropes or an adult looking to give back to the game.
⛹️♂️All the gear with the right idea
After completing your Referee Course and earning your Development Referee certificate, Atherton Basketball will proudly provide you with a referee shirt and whistle—free of charge—as a thank you for your commitment and to equip you to step confidently on court and continue developing your skills in the game.
🏀 Bringing It to the Court
Once you've built your foundation, you'll take what you’ve learned and apply it during live games—with the support of experienced referee mentors right here at our club. You’ll start by officiating junior games and gradually build your confidence, skills, and speed of decision-making.
We make sure no one is thrown in the deep end. You’ll be paired with more experienced officials and receive ongoing feedback to help you grow.
Beginner Referee
Court Overview
Basic Principles
Signaling
Mechanics (Positioning)
Basics on Fouls
Basics on Violations
Considerations
Development Referee
Officiating Principles
Communication and Signals
Mechanics Refresher (Positioning)
Advanced Violations
Advanced Fouls
Act of Shooting
Communication
Dealing with Behaviour
Intermediate Referee
Pregame Discussions
Officiating Principles (continued)
Advantage/Disadvantage Principles
Advanced Violations (continued)
Advanced Fouls (continued)
Disqualifying Fouls
Correctable Errors
Quick Reference Guides
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This handy 16-page guide is designed as a quick reference for referees and players, summarising key FIBA rules and interpretations in a clear, easy-to-follow format. It covers essential topics like game timing, fouls, violations, substitutions, time-outs, and positioning. Whether you're on the court making the call or playing the game, this guide helps everyone understand the rules and maintain consistency. Perfect for new referees, developing players, or anyone wanting a fast refresher before the game!
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A handy reference for scorebench volunteers covering setup, timing, siren use, scoring, and foul tracking. Aligned with FIBA and ABA rules, it ensures smooth and consistent game-day operations. Perfect for new and returning bench crew.
FIBA Rules
The FIBA Official Rules is the official rulebook for basketball worldwide, outlining the standards for how the game is played, officiated, and managed. It covers everything from court layout and game timing to fouls, violations, and referee responsibilities. At Atherton Basketball, we follow these rules to ensure our games are fair, consistent, and in line with international standards—making it a key resource for players, coaches, and referees alike.
The FIBA Official Interpretations provide detailed explanations and practical examples to help players, coaches, and referees understand how the FIBA rules should be applied in real-game situations. They clarify grey areas, support consistent decision-making, and guide officials in interpreting the intent of each rule. At Atherton Basketball, these interpretations are a valuable tool for improving rule knowledge and ensuring fair and accurate officiating across all levels of play.
