Basketball Victoria Country have released the Referee Grading’s for 2011 with a number of Basketball Geelong officials recognised.

The announcement comes as the Basketball Victoria Country Events season concludes. This season has seen Basketball Geelong referees blowing their whistles across regional Victoria at numerous events and venues.

Basketball Geelong’s referee advisor Wayne Watson states:

“Referees are an integral part of the game, and credit goes to these officials for working their craft. They are dedicated, hard working and a great group of people. It’s good to see them rewarded for their efforts.”

30 officials were upgraded, with 7 obtaining their Level 1 A.

Basketball Geelong was faced with a huge challenge five years ago when referee numbers had dwindled to only 26 officials, today the Basketball Geelong Referees Program boasts over 120 referees and is still growing.

The obvious importance of a strong official’s development program was recognised several years ago and is now paying rewards for Basketball Geelong ensuring that there is an opportunity for officials to ply their craft locally as well as state wide.

The benefit of this development program also means that local competitions have access to improving levels of referees controlling the games for the Basketball Geelong domestic leagues.

Having higher quality referees ensures a better game to play.

Basketball Geelong’s General Manager Amy Hawthorne states:

“We are in a great position where our participation has and continues to grow at a rapid pace, we are booming. But without referees we don’t have games. Which is what the association faced five years ago. Today – thanks to the tireless effort of key volunteers we are in a better position. We have a talented pool of referees to work our competition”.

If you would like to become a referee or would like additional information about the Referees Program please contact Basketball Geelong on 52771388 or email admin@basketballgeelong.com.au