Basketball England training for all levels
We support referees at all levels of the refereeing pathway – whether just starting out or wanting to progress to referee at national and international level.
For a game of basketball to take place there needs to be either two or three referees. These referees are on the court and are responsible of stopping the game by blowing their whistle when there is rules infringement.
Referees make decisions such as deeming when a player has committed a foul or a violation, when a basket has been scored and much more.
Referees work together with the table officials and the statisticians to ensure the fairness and accuracy of the game.
You need to be fit to referee, but it is also a great way to keep fit, make new friends and be involved in the sport you love!
Level 1
Aimed at complete beginners who want a better knowledge of the game: whether an under-16 player just starting out in the officiating world; a parent; or a novice looking to get into the sport. This online course gives an insight into the basic mechanics of refereeing, violations and fouls.
Level 2
Aimed at beginners who have experience as a player or have attended the Level 1 course. This course gives in-depth education of the general rules of the game and provides the learner with the education required to referee games in their local area.
Level 3
This course is aimed at referees who want to progress from local or junior national league to senior National League games. The course gives you practical knowledge of game administration and refereeing in games of a higher standard. To be considered for the Level 3 Award, you must meet the prerequisites and requirements below.
- Applications for the Level 3 Referee Award 25/26 are now open! More information about the course can be found below.
- Deadline to apply is Sunday 31 August 23:59.
Level 4
Applications for the pre-assessment phase for the Level 4 Referee 2026/27 will open on Monday 8 December 2025.
Aimed at those who want to referee at the highest domestic level. The course is split into two parts; the pre-assessment phase and the assessment phase, with the first stage taking place from January 2026 to August 2026, and the assessment phase following from September 2026 to May 2027.
To be considered for the pre-assessment phase, you must meet a number of prerequisites and requirements.
3x3 referee
This course is aimed at those who have an interest in refereeing the 3x3 format of the game.
This course gives an introduction to the general rules of the game and provides the learner with the education required to referee 3x3 games.
FIBA referee
Experience at Level 4 and within the British professional leagues could earn you the chance to become a FIBA Referee.
FIBA Referees re-licence every two years with the current licences expiring on 31 August 2025.
Contact us for more information
North West courses
Our North West Basketball region runs a range of officiating courses.