Get in the game, referees.
Get involved in the action, keep the rules of the game, and ensure fair play.

Earn your stripes, at the heart of the game
Referees are a critical part of our sport and Basketball Queensland has begun an initiative to invest in the development and opportunities available to officials across the state. With basketball rarely taking a weekend off there are always plenty of opportunities for referees across the state to improve their game.
01
Register on eTrainu
Create an account on the eTrainu platform to access all your referee training.
02
Complete Your Online Learning
Head to the Training Library, find the Basketball QLD Officials tab, and complete Part 1 and Part 2 of the Beginner Referee Course.
03
Register for an Action Day
Once you've finished the online course, register for an upcoming Action Day at your local association. You can find available sessions in the Calendar of Events.
04
Attend & Get on Court
Attend your Action Day in person, learn from experienced officials, and start refereeing live games in your community.
Referee courses and advancement pathways
Our Referee Development Program provides pathways for referees from officiating their first game of junior basketball through to being a FIBA official at international events. Part of this development is guided by BQ's referee grading system and courses. Progression from one level to the next is based on your theory knowledge and practical expertise, and the pace of progression will differ for every referee.

Start your refereeing journey with the Beginner level. You’ll first complete Part 1 and Part 2 of the online Beginner Course, followed by an in-person Intake (Action) Day at your local association. Once all three steps are done, you’ll be ready to hit the court and begin officiating games.
Level of refereeing: Junior Domestic up to U14s
Take the next step by completing the online Development Course and demonstrating your skills on court. You’ll need to be assessed as competent across two games over two separate weeks, including at least one U14 domestic game. A Level 1 Referee Coach-approved assessor will review your performance using BQ’s Competency Matrix.
Level of refereeing: Junior Domestic up to U18s, Junior Rep U12/14
Progressing to the Intermediate level requires completion of the online Intermediate Course and a formal assessment across two representative games over two different weeks. At least one game must be U16 Division 1 or U14 Division 1 / U16 Division 3 or lower. These assessments are conducted at a State Championship by a Level 1 Referee Coach-approved assessor. Referees at this level should be confident managing all admin tasks and officiating alongside any partner.
Level of refereeing: All Junior Domestic, Lower Senior Domestic Division, Junior Rep U18 D2 and Below
To reach the Advanced level, referees must complete the online Advanced Course and be assessed across three representative games over three different weeks. This includes at least one U16 Division 1, U18, or QSL Youth League game. Assessments are carried out at a State Championship by either a Level 1 (approved) or Level 2 Referee Coach. Advanced referees are expected to manage all game admin and officiate junior games with confidence and consistency.
Level of refereeing: All Junior Domestic, Most Senior Domestic Divisions, QSL YL, QSL W2
At this stage, you’ll need to complete the State Development Course, attend the in-person theory component, and pass the FIBA Fitness Test (23 laps). Practical assessments include refereeing at least 10 QSL1 games, having 5 QSL games reviewed, and receiving 3 Ref Coach Reports at Standard. Assessments are overseen by BQ’s Technical Officials Development Manager, Referee Development Officers, U18 Commissioners, and a current NBL1 referee.
Level of refereeing: All Junior Domestic, Most Senior Domestic Divisions, QSL YL, QSL W2
To qualify as a State Referee, you must be an active member of the NBL1 Panel and have officiated at an Australian Junior Championship. You’ll also need to complete the State Grade Course, pass the FIBA Fitness Test (23 laps for females, 30 laps for males), referee a minimum of 10 NBL1 games, and receive 10 Ref Coach Reports at Standard. Final assessments are conducted by the BQ Technical Officials Development Manager, NBL1 North Commissioner, and U18 Commissioner.
Level of refereeing: NBL1 and below
This level requires you to be part of the NBL1 Finals Panel, pass the FIBA Fitness Test (30 laps), and complete advanced education led by the NBL1 Commissioner. You must also have officiated at least one NBL1 Quarter Final. Assessment is conducted by the NBL1 North Commissioner and the BQ Technical Officials Development Manager.
Level of refereeing: NBL1 Finals and below
National Referees are appointed by Basketball Australia to the National Panel. Selection is based on consistent high-level performance, potential, and professionalism at the NBL1 level. Ongoing education, training, and fitness compliance are required to maintain national accreditation. This level is managed by Basketball Australia, not the state body.
Level of refereeing: NBL1 National Finals, Junior Nationals, Available for WNBL/NBL appointment
The FIBA badge is the highest level of recognition for referees. Appointment is made by Basketball Australia and requires nomination, a proven record of elite officiating, and readiness to represent Australia at international FIBA-sanctioned events. FIBA referees must attend international clinics and meet ongoing global standards to retain their licence.
Level of refereeing: FIBA International Competitions, Olympic and World Cup pathway events
Streamline your referee journey
Referee Courses are regularly run throughout the year at your local association. Completing these courses and continually upskilling throughout your career will help you improve from a green shirt referee, all they way to the national stage. Keep up to date with when and where these courses will be run through the calendar in eTrainU!
Elite Referees
BQ has three development programs, Future Referee Program (FRP), State Referee Program (SRP) and National Referee Program (NRP). With SDP serving as an advanced pathway for referees from Advanced Grade to State Grade and NDP aiming to identify and develop officials for state league panels, national and international pathways.
Program description
The Future Referee Program is targeted to junior referees that have newly been appointed to Junior representative competition that show potential to advance further in their refereeing careers. The Camp will be run in conjunction with the performance athletes FDP camp. The referees will be involved in live referee coaching as well as on court and class room sessions.
Eligibility
- Selections made at under 14 state championships based on performance at the event.
- Be actively refereeing at your local association.
- Currently referee junior representative competition focused on the Under 14s competition.
- Minimum Development referee level must have completed online course material.
SRP Group 1 (U16’s)
The State Referee Program is targeted to junior referees currently involved at the Under 16 junior representative level. The Camp will be run in conjunction with the QSL Youth League and QSL season. The focus for the camp will be on court education as well as involvement in NBL1 North game nights with the referee crews.
Eligibility
- Selections made at Under 16 State Championships based on performance at the event.
- Be actively refereeing at your local association.
- Currently referee junior representative competition focused on the Under 16s competition at a minimum.
- Minimum Association intermediate referee level must have completed online course material.
- Selected referees will also need to be available to attend the camp weekend which will be held in Brisbane.
SRP Group 2 (U18’s)
The State Referee Program is targeted to junior referees currently involved at the under 18 Junior representative level. The Camp will be run in conjunction with the QSL Youth League and QSL season. The focus for the camp will be on court education as well as involvement in NBL1 North game nights with the referee crews. How to be eligible - Selections made at Under 18 State Championships based on performance at the event.
Eligibility
- Be actively refereeing at your local association.
- Currently referee junior representative competition focused on the Under 18 competition at a minimum.
- Currently refereeing in the QSL
- Minimum Association Advanced referee level must have completed online course material.
- Selected referees will also need to be available to attend the camp weekend which will be held in Brisbane
Program description
The National Referee Program is a designed to develop referees into the NBL1 North competition. This is an 8-month program currently run from November to July. The program will include regular group & individual meetings as well as regular play calling, self-assessment, and mindset training.
Eligibility
- Applications for the program will open in October and selections will be made by the Technical Officials Team, Referee Development Officers, NBL1 referee commissioner and Technical Officials Program Coordinator.
- Minimum Association Advanced referee level must have completed online course material.
- Must be available to referee QSL for the entire season.
- Nominations will be sent out to all associations for them to nominate potential referees that should be considered for QSL or NBL1 North from their club. BQ will open applications via social channels.
- Once nominations closed the group of referees will be selected and invitations will be sent to attend the program. As a part of the program they must attend the NBL1 North Action Day prior to the season.
Frequently asked questions
What does BQ do to support referees?
Basketball Queensland has been working hard to support the refereeing community within the state. The behaviour framework has been introduced to help control behaviour of players, coaches and spectators particularly at a BQJBC and junior club level. We have also implemented the Green Lanyard program as an identifier for referees under the age of 18 as another reminder to the wider public that referees are under the age of 18 and are still learning their craft.
Where can refereeing take me?
Refereeing at a junior and senior level competition has the capability to take you all over the country and the world. Whether this is for junior state championships within Queensland, Australian Junior Championships nationally or senior State or national leagues. Some referees are lucky enough to referee internationally at FIBA events, World cups and even the Olympics.
How do I start refereeing basketball?
To start refereeing basketball, you’ll first get access to the eTrainu platform, where you’ll complete Part 1 and Part 2 of the online Beginner’s Course. From there, you’ll attend an in-person Intake (Action) Day at your local association. Once all three steps are complete, you’re ready to hit the court and begin your refereeing journey.
Where can I find information about BQ run education workshops and courses?
Access the eTrainu platform to view the referee calendar, which includes all upcoming officiating events across Queensland.
Need a bit more information?
For more information or details about referees and the pathway, please contact BQ's Technical Officials Manager, Alex McEwan, via alex.mcewan@basketballqld.net.au.