Referee
Champion fair play - become a GABA referee.
Why referee?
Stay in the game
Refereeing is a great way to stay involved, build confidence and leadership, and earn while you learn. We’ll support you every step of the way.
Stay in the game
Be at the heart of every play.
Confidence & leadership
Make quick calls and grow your decision making.
Earn while you learn
Get paid per game as you gain experience.
Getting started
From age 12 – no experience needed
You can start refereeing with GABA from 12 years old after completing the Association Beginner Referee Course, run by GABA with Basketball WA.
After the course you'll be paired with a Runner (support umpire) for your first games. You'll start in a green trainee shirt, and once your Mentor signs you off as confident and competent, you'll become an official GABA umpire.
What we ask of you
Referee expectations
Punctuality
Being on time is a big help to everyone. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your first rostered game and be at your court ready to go 5 minutes before tip-off. Once you've finished with the scoring device, please head to your next game as quickly as you can.
Communication
Stay calm, friendly and professional, and be courteous to staff, fellow referees, coaches and players. If a coach or player asks a reasonable question, listen, respond politely and use your common sense. If you're not sure of the answer, a senior official or the Referee Supervisor will be happy to help.
Behaviour
Look after your fitness so you can keep up with play and stay in your lead and trail positions, which helps you make the right calls. On or off the court, act responsibly and set a good example — you are always a representative of GABA.
If there is any inappropriate behaviour on your court from players, coaches or spectators, contact the Games Controller straight away. This may mean pausing the game to go and find them – that's absolutely fine.
Reliability
We count on you to be there for the games you're rostered on. If you can't make a game, let us know as early as you can (ideally at least 24 hours ahead) so the Referee Supervisor can arrange a replacement.
Uniforms
Follow the GABA dress code: the correct referee shirt (green, or black and white if you're Level 1 or above) with predominantly black pants or shorts. Please don't wear club team shorts when umpiring, or your umpire uniform while coaching or playing.
Working with Children Check
Referees aged 18 and over need a Working with Children Check. Pick up the form at the post office — it costs $11 and you'll need photo ID. Once completed, bring it to the GABA office to be signed off.
Rules and GABA By-Laws
Be familiar with the Rules of Basketball, the GABA By-Laws and the local rules, all available on our website.
Course information and rule updates are shared as soon as we receive them. We may also run referee development sessions — we highly recommend attending.
BWA / Country Week nominations
To referee at BWA, Country Champs or another tournament, nominate yourself by emailing the GABA admin team as early as possible. You should be umpiring at least at a high Beginner level in Division 1 games in Geraldton.
GABA sincerely appreciates your commitment. You should never have to put up with abuse from the sidelines — if you have any issues or concerns, tell the Referee Supervisor on game night as soon as possible, or contact the GABA office. See the Resources page for the by-laws and local rules.
Game day checklist
- Arrive at the stadium 15 minutes before your allocated start time.
- Check which court you're on (fixtures are in the Games Control Office) and let the Games Controller know you've arrived.
- Introduce yourself to each coach before the game.
- Ask each team for a ball and choose the best one of the correct size.
- Be on the court and ready 5 minutes before tip-off.
- Make sure there are 2 scorers for your court before starting.
Scoring device & during the game
- Check all players' full names are entered on the computer. At half time, check player numbers and remove anyone who isn't there. After the game, confirm the score and enter the best players in Refbook.
- Check players' full names and numbers are on the iPad.
- Don't start a game without 2 referees – the Games Controller can help.
- Don't shoot the ball during game breaks — grab a drink and chat about the game instead.
- Keep an eye on timeout timing and give each team a warning with 10 seconds left.
- Each umpire enters their 3-2-1 MVP votes in Refbook straight after the game.
- Report any incidents to the Games Controller.
- Raise questions or concerns with the Referee Coach or Games Controller at a break or straight after the game.
Referees are a very important part of our association, and we're grateful for everything you do. Please give each game your full attention and best effort, and talk to the Games Controller any time you have a concern.
Know the rules
FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026
The official rules used for all GABA games (Version 1.1, 108 pages).
Read (opens in a new tab)Download PDFFIBA Official Rules Interpretations 2026 – worked examples of how the rules apply (Version 1.0, 161 pages).
Read (opens in a new tab)Download PDFFIBA Official Rules 2026 – Rule Changes: a summary of what changed from the previous rules (Version 1.1, 25 pages).
Read (opens in a new tab)Download PDFAsk about the FIBA rules
Ask a rules question in your own words. Our AI-powered assistant answers from the FIBA rule book, official interpretations and 2026 rule changes, and shows the page it used.
Your pathway
Referee development pathway
Trainee Referee
Green shirt
- Attend a beginner course
- Umpire junior games with support
- Learn from experienced Mentors
Beginner Referee
Green shirt
- Signed off by your Mentor
- Umpire junior games independently
- Keep building skills and confidence
Level 1 Referee
Black & white striped shirt
- Eligible after 12 months and age 15+
- Complete BWA's Level 1 Referee Course
- Assessed on court and approved
- Officiate junior and senior games
New referee pathways from 2026
Basketball Australia is bringing in a new referee pathway framework (FTEM-O and 3DOD) in 2026. Read the guide to see how referees develop and progress at each level.
Stay connected
Communication & your Referee Coordinator
Natasha Kirkpatrick
Referee Coordinator
Natasha organises everything to do with referees, including rosters, availability issues and WhatsApp group administration.
The main ways to get in touch are email and WhatsApp:
Contact Natasha directly at referee@gaba.au.
WhatsApp groups
Referees keep in touch with each other and get quick updates through our WhatsApp groups.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
+Who creates the ref roster?
Our Referee Coordinator manages the weekly roster. Email referee@gaba.au.
+What if I can’t make it one week?
Update your availability in Refbook, our online rostering tool.
+Will I get training?
Yes! Local mentors and instructors provide training, with courses in Geraldton and Perth when available.
+Can I develop my referee career?
Absolutely — with opportunities to referee at state championships and complete formal accreditations.
+Will I have a mentor?
Yes. New referees are supported on court by Runners and guided by senior referees.
+Where can I learn the rules?
On the Basketball WA website: basketballwa.asn.au/rules-of-basketball.
+I’m only available certain days — is that okay?
Yes! Refbook lets you choose when you’re available.
+Will I only umpire my own club’s games?
No — you’ll umpire games across all clubs in the GABA competition.
+Who can I go to with questions?
Your Mentor, a Games Controller, the Administrator or the Referee Coordinator.
+What software do I need?
We use Refbook for rosters and payments. It works on phones and computers — a computer or parent's phone is fine too.
+How do refs stay in touch?
We use a WhatsApp group for quick updates.
+Will refereeing help me as a player?
Yes! Many players say umpiring helps them understand the game more deeply.
+Do I need a Working With Children Check?
Yes, if you’re 18 or older. It costs $11 from your local post office. More info at workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au.
+When will I get paid?
GABA aims to pay referees weekly. Make sure your bank details are entered in Refbook.
Ready to blow the whistle?
Start with a Beginner Umpiring Course – register your interest and we’ll be in touch.
Register your interest