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 2025 to August 2025, and the assessment phase following from September 2025 to May 2026. To be considered for the pre-assessment phase, you must meet the prerequisites and requirements below.
Pre-assessment phase: January 2025 to August 2025
Assessment phase: September 2025 to May 2026
The cost to enrol on the course (pre-assessment phase) is £90, with a further £170 to be charged if you are accepted as a candidate in September 2025 (assessment phase).
You must have refereed at least 15 NBL Division One games in the last two years.
Attended National Officiating Conference in the current season.
Passed both the rules and fitness test* in the current season.
Performing well at the appropriate level and this has been reflected in your game reports from Referee Coaches for games completed in the current season.
Must be available to receive and fulfil six appointments per month at your competency level. This may mean a requirement to apply for out of area appointments as per the Match Officials' Handbook.
Have the capacity to reflect on performance, analyse and provide electronic visual feedback.
In your application, you must:
Submit the names and contact details of two references who would support your application by providing a supporting statement or reference, and:
Have achieved the FIBA Referee qualification and have officiated with you in the past 12 months in NBL competition, or
Are an approved Referee Coach for the current season.
Detail the experience you have gained, including attendance at training and development events such as the National Officiating Conference, and other continued professional development officiating event(s) inside or outside of the UK, which demonstrates you as being a strong candidate for the award.
*Fitness test requirements are 86 laps for males, and 66 laps for females (with reductions based on age)
Should you be accepted onto the Level 4 pre-assessment phase, you will be required to fulfil your games as normal. Referee Coaches will be assigned to a number of your games and provide feedback, which will be part of the decision to accept you on to the assessment programme.
Events that will be utilised to see your performance during the Level 4 pre-assessment phase are:
BUCS Finals – Wednesday 19 March - Loughborough University
EABL, WEABL, CBL & Schools Finals - Wednesday 26 & Thursday 27 March - Manchester NBPC
Senior Playoff Finals – Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 April - Manchester NBPC
Junior Final Four – Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 May May - Manchester NBPC
Attendance at a nominated summer officiating camp is recommended. The cost of this clinic is not covered by the Level 4 course cost and would need to be covered by the candidate.
In order to progress to the Level 4 assessment phase, you are required to attend the National Officiating Conference 2025 and pass the rules and fitness test.
Upon invitation to the Level 4 phase, you will be allocated an experienced, trained and highly qualified personal Referee Coach. They will support you and your learning progress throughout the course. This will include feedback on game performance, rules & interpretations, and other general support. You may be appointed to work alongside each other at individual games or in tournaments. You will also be observed by a Referee Coach at games and in tournaments.
Events that will be utilised to see your performance during the Level 4 assessment phase are:
Senior Cup Finals – January 2026
BUCS Finals – March 2026
Senior Playoff Finals – April 2026
Alongside practical game assessments, during the assessment phase of the course, there will be theory examinations that you are required to pass in order to pass the course.
Upon invitation to the Level 4 assessment phase, you will receive a detailed timeline of all meetings including 1:1s with your Referee Coach and meetings with the whole Level 4 programme.
At the end of the assessment period, the Delivery Manager will communicate with your Referee Coach, and anyone else deemed necessary and make one of the following recommendations:
Award you the Level 4 qualification and inform the GB Technical Commission of this
Extend your assessment period
Conclude that you have not met the competency requirements for the course and inform you that you are able to reapply when the course next opens
Should you wish to appeal this recommendation, you may do this within 10 business days of notification stating your reason(s). Your appeal will be reviewed by the Delivery Manager with any of the program lead(s).
