The OAG, a body of experts which supports and advises on BE’s officiating strategy, reviewed three key officiating areas:
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“Most sports are challenged by a shortage of officials to support their game, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The shortfall is hampering the game, so more urgency, support and smarter ways to recruit and retain officials are required. It was great to hear of initial successes and further plans this weekend and be part of the energy to do more to support current and new officials.
“It was clear at the OAG meeting that working with better systems and service to improve the recruitment and development of more officials at local, regional and national levels, while shedding light on their input and achievements, is vital.”
In the North West Region, BE has piloted a new programme, part of which addresses the recruitment, education, development and deployment of officials via the REDD programme – making it faster and more efficient for them to be supported into active officiating.
This feeds into BE’s nationwide REDD programme to create an adequate supply of quality officials to meet the healthy and growing demand for basketball.
Regional manager Kate Lewis and her team in the North West have collaborated with clubs and referees using entrepreneurial methods and incentives in a referees recruitment drive.
The impact has seen the qualification of over 80 new referees, who are being regularly deployed across games in the North West.
Kate Lewis said:
“It’s working seamlessly because all stakeholders are working together to make sure there’s enough development of officials to service the game. The big thing is that clubs better understand their role in the process of putting forward candidates for officiating courses.
“Officials feel better supported too, for instance we're putting very new referees in the regional leagues, and we've got a culture in those leagues that focuses on all learning together. So, coaches, players, etc accept that referees are allowed to make mistakes. The icing on the cake, however, is having a team of refereeing coaches, who go out across the region to mentor our new and established officials, continuing their professional development.
“Overall, I can see the programme making a huge impact across the regions once it's rolled out.”
Nick Ibberson of the Lancashire Spinners, said:
“NW REDD is invaluable and interactive in that if you know which games are likely to be difficult then appropriate referees are appointed. Referee development and coaching of referees is very good. We need all Regions to function as the North West has. The contrast between now and pre-Covid is like chalk and cheese.”
The North West pilot scheme, which has also examined Regional Management Committee (RMC) reform and competition structure, will be reviewed at a Basketball England Board meeting on 23 February with an aim of a wider roll-out across England to build on the efforts of regions and clubs across England.
BE will profile officiating, sharing the success stories to recognise its importance and help attract more people to officiating.
The men and women on the court who keep the game fair and moving - our National Cup officials
— NBL (@NBLengland) January 22, 2023
Here Crew Chief Michael Diamond-Hunter talks on what it’s like refereeing in a championship final#GameTime | #NBL2223 pic.twitter.com/bxHG0njQWW
Since COVID, BE’s officiating Level 1 and 2 courses have been delivered through a hybrid online/in-person model.
It has been recognised adjustments are required to the way these courses are delivered to improve the quality of the candidate journey.
If you would like to give feedback on the issues in this article or any wider matter relating to our officiating workforce, please email us.
Got a great story about officiating? Let us know by emailing [email protected]
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Basketball has the power to change lives. Our #GameTime campaign aims to raise awareness of the positive impact that basketball can have on people no matter who they are or where they are from.
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