Courses: Refereeing Level 2

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 your local area.

• Cost: £85.00 
• Basketball England members are entitled to a 10% discount which is available on request by emailing [email protected]
• Each candidate who signs up to our online course will receive a 10% discount (valid for one purchase) on officiating products in our online shop.
• Level 2 referees can officiate local league, schools, colleges, BUCS and up to junior NBL.
• Expected duration: 16 hours (includes attending a 4 hour practical learning session). Candidates have 12 months from sign-up to complete all elements of the course.
• Pre-requisites: A Basketball England member, and have some basketball knowledge or be a Level 1 Referee
• Recommended minimum age: 16 years
• Once you have signed up, candidates will receive access to the online learning by the end of the next working day.

Learner requirements

1. Ensure that you are a Basketball England member
2. Sign up to the course and pay HERE 
3. Complete the online modules (estimated time 12 hours)
4. Complete and pass the theory examination (True/False questions)
5. Attend the tutor led 4 hour on-court practical learning session
6. Purchase a referee licence. This is required before refereeing any game
7. Referee a number of practice games to prepare for your assessment games. Seek feedback from more senior referees
8. Complete your assessment games and get them approved by a licensed and qualified level 3 or higher referee or Referee Coach.

You will need access to a laptop, computer or smart device to complete the online modules.

Sign up here

Theory modules

The course consists of 8 online modules which you can complete in your own time. The modules include:

• Module 1 - Introduction
• Module 2 - Teams, Officials, Court and Equipment
• Module 3 - Playing Regulations
• Module 4 - Mechanics & Areas of Responsibility
• Module 5 - Violations
• Module 6 - Contact & General Principles
• Module 7 - Fouls
• Module 8 - Examination

The theory modules are always available to you as a learner to refer to during your formative years as a referee.

Theory examination

There is an online theory examination with 50 True/False questions where you are required to achieve a 70% pass mark. You are able to resit the examination should you not reach the target.

Practical learning session

You are required to attend a four-hour practical learning session organised by Basketball England which will be delivered by a BE approved Referee Tutor.

The practical learning session is an on-court session that will bring the theory to life as the tutor will work through the different aspects of the game. This will include game mechanics, play calling, fouls and violations.

When attending the practical learning session the learner will need to bring with them:

• A pealess whistle with a lanyard - available HERE
• Sportswear and trainers
• Food and refreshments

Once you have signed up for the course you will be able to view the booking form with upcoming dates for the practical sessions. 

Practice games

You should officiate a number of practice games in order to prepare yourself for your assessment games. It is beneficial to get feedback from these games from a qualified and licensed Level 3 or higher referee or Referee Coach.

Before officiating any practice games you are required to have a Basketball England Membership, pay for a referee licence and complete the eligibility requirements. If you are over 16 you will require a DBS check and to complete a safeguarding self-declaration. If you are over 18 you require both of these and in addition a safeguarding qualification. All the information you need to license as an official can be found here. 

Learners should referee games where they can receive feedback from Level 3 co-officials or a Referee Coach in order to prepare themselves for their assessment games.

Assessment games

Only when the learner has completed the online modules, passed the examination, attended the four-hour practical session and refereed a number of practice games should they attempt their three assessment games.

Assessments are full regulations games (three in total) that are supervised either by the referee you officiate with (co-official) or a qualified referee who watches from the sideline.

This referee should be licensed and at least be a Level 3 qualified referee or an approved BE Referee Coach.

Games should ideally be full regulation (4x10 minute quarters, full court). It is possible to substitute two out of the three games, for equivalent length games in approved central venue leagues.

You have 12 months from signing up for the course to complete all elements including the assessment games.

Completing the qualification

Upon completion of the online modules, examination, attending the four-hour practical learning session and completing the three assessment games successfully will you be qualified and receive an e-certificate.

Sign up here