Please note that Mitch Harris has tendered his resignation as Referee Development Officer. This has been accepted by the Association. Darren Thomas will continue the Referee on court management and training program as below.
The role and referee structure is currently under review and will be discussed at meetings scheduled for Nov 5th and 15th before any announcements are made.
Any enquiries in the interim can go to a member of the roster team (Chris Crosbie or Darren Thomas) or John Kearle.
Referee On Court Management and Training
Mitch HarrisDarren ThomasThe Association has appointed Mitch Harris and Darren Thomas to work on junior game days specifically in the area of referee education and development.
We see this as a very important role in the conduct of our competition sessions and in the development of our junior referees.
These people are representing the Association and Referee Body at each game and are the people responsible for ensuring the game rules and regulations are adhered to.
Their role is to:
- Build a positive relationship with our members including referees, club officials, parents, players and coaches, especially in relation to the general game rules
- Ensure that, as far as practicable, games from the referee perspective are an enjoyable and positive experience for all involved
- See that the game is played in accordance with the spirit and letter of the BBA Rules and Regulations and to report any behaviour outside of these guidelines.
- Promote and encourage adherence to the Basketball Victoria Codes of Conduct, Basketball Victoria / BBA By Laws
- Provide role model / mentor support to junior officials (referees) and encourage them to reach and maintain a high level of commitment, dress standard, game focus and behaviour at all times
- Support yet not take over from our junior referees who, like our players and coaches, are still learning the game and will make mistakes from time to time. They will teach and educate in the appropriate manner at the appropriate time – not respond to any overly emotional or threatening behaviour from others, who should also be there to ensure that everyone leaves their game having had an enjoyable and positive experience
Parent, club official and player abuse of officials is still one of the major reasons why junior referees walk away from the job.
We expect that all those involved in junior sport will set and maintain the standards of behaviour required by the Basketball Victoria code of conduct. Abusive or challenging behaviour about individual calls or rule interpretations is not within the spirit of junior referee development.
Referees of the Year 2008
| Michael Gwyther | BBA Senior Male Referee-2008 |
| Sarah Blease | BBA Senior Female Referee-2008 |
| John Kearle | Best BBA Referee Male Team Member-2008 |
| John Kearle Jnr | BBA Junior Male Referee 2008 |
| Clare Henstridge | BBA Junior Female Referee-2008 BBA Marlene Johnson Shield |
| Erin Cooper | Best BBA Referee Female Team Member 2007 |
Marlene Johnson JUNIOR FEMALE REFEREE OF THE YEAR
Over the past thirty plus years Marlene Johnson has been constantly involved in the development of the Association as a volunteer in a diversity of ways.
Marlene was actively involved as a parent in the running of the Saints Club. She participated as a committee person, scorer, coach and supporter.
As a referee, Marlene has been actively involved for many years and is widely regarded as the best referee to have working with out new u/10 children as a referee, coach and instructor. Marlene has always been willing to help in times of shortages to fill gaps and make sure we kept games going.
Marlene was one of the founding members of the Married Women's Basketball Club and has been an active player, referee and administrator. She was made a life member of the Association in 1984.
In the 1990’s the Association introduced a development program for children with disabilities. Again it was Marlene who stepped forward and became one of the primary volunteers supporting this group.
There could be no one more deserving than Marlene Johnson to have an award named after.
This award was won by Clare Henstridge
Christina Cook Senior Female Referee of the Year Award
Christina Cook was involved at Ballarat Basketball for many years as a player, coach, referee and volunteer. Chris refereed junior, senior and Married Women’s basketball and school basketball competitions.As a player Chris played for Jades, Exies Acmy and Rebels and Married Womens competition. She coached junior teams for Jades and Exies Acmy Basketball Clubs.
She was team manager for Ballarat Representative sides on numerous occasions.
Any events when volunteers were required you would find Chris.She travelled far and wide to watch daughter Allison Tranquilly play for Ballarat, Vic Country, AIS, WNBL, Opals, Olympics.
Sadly Chris collapsed after playing a game of basketball at the Minerdome and died on 16th September 1999.
Ballarat Basketball and especially the Referees body is eternally grateful for the time and effort Chris gave to the sport of basketball and this annual award will be a constant reminder of her.
This award was won by Sarah Blease.
The Garry Ebbels Senior Male Referee of the Year Award was won by Michael Gwyther .
The Keith Warhurst Junior Male Referee of the Year Award was won by John Kearle Jnr.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD - Best male team member was awarded to John Kearle snr while Best Female team member was awarded to Erin Cooper.
