Basketball Queensland is pleased to welcome Jacqui Dover as our Technical Officials Program Coordinator.

Dover brings with her a celebrated career and wealth of knowledge and experience in the referee space. Beginning at the grassroots level with Gold Coast Basketball she’s gone on to referee in the NBL1 (formerly QBL), WNBL and is currently the only on court female referee in the NBL.

Jacqui’s career has taken her around the world, notably spending 18 months in the United States at the NBA's referee development program. Along with this Dover recently officiated the Bronze Medal games at the Under 17-and 19-Women’s World Cup in Hungary and Spain respectively. As well as being part of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Sydney.

Dover is now back in Queensland, and she’s determined to leverage her own experiences to encourage more people to take up refereeing as a valuable pathway within the sport.

"Being involved with Basketball Queensland is something that I've been thinking about for a long time, and I think the timing was finally just right for me,” said Dover.

Basketball Queensland CEO, Joshua Pascoe, is excited to have Jacqui as part of the growing team.

"Jacqui is such a valuable addition to our team and her wealth of experiences both nationally and internationally will enhance our ability to develop, mentor and educate our next generation of Queensland officials. This addition continues to reinforce BQs strong commitment to developing and growing Queensland Officials,” said Pascoe.

For Dover, it’s about building a strong culture and safe space for referees at the grassroots level.

“I think we can make some positive changes,” said Dover.

Her focus will not only be on nurturing young referees but also on emphasizing the importance of understanding, between players, coaches, spectators, and referees themselves.

“I think it’s the environment that we provide for them, to know that they’re supported and protected and that they’re going to make mistakes and that is okay,” said Dover.

Jacqui is excited to bring new programs and resources to the table, ensuring that Basketball Queensland provides the necessary support to referees at all levels.

“It’s my job to come in and deliver these new programs to the best of my ability, making sure that they’re at a really high standard and that we’re providing resources for referees to succeed all the way from grassroots to NBL1 and beyond,” said Dover.

Jacqui Dover officially commenced her role as Technical Officials Program Coordinator on October 6th.