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Referees

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Welcome to the CBA Referee Hub

Refereeing is an essential part of basketball. Like all sports, basketball relies on referees to ensure the game is played safely, fairly, and according to the rules.

 

This section is designed for:

  • Referees
  • Parents
  • Referee Coaches
  • Anyone interested in learning about refereeing and the CBA pathway

Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about:

  • How to get involved
  • What is expected at Cockburn Basketball Association
  • Support, education and development opportunities

 

How to Get Involved

Interested in becoming a referee with Cockburn Basketball Association?

Step 1 – Submit an Expression of Interest

Email referees@cougarfamily.com with the following information:

  • Your full name
  • Age and date of birth
  • Why you would like to become a referee
  • Any previous basketball or refereeing experience

Step 2 – Complete Your Referee Training

If selected, you will be required to complete the C1 Referee Course through EtrainU, followed by an in-person Action Day at Wally Hagan.

Please note that CBA currently runs one referee course and Action Day each year, in January. Places are limited and participation is subject to selection following submission of an Expression of Interest.

Once you have successfully completed the required training, you can commence your on court referee training through the CBA referee program.

There may be a small wait, but we’ll touch base once we have positions available. We coordinate our runners and green shirts to ensure every Referee get the support they need, thank you for your patience as we work through the waitlist. 

 

Technical Officials Coordinator (TOC)

Our TOC leads the support and development of all referees at the Association across Domestic and WABL competitions. Alongside our Referee Coaches, they assist with:

  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Talent identification
  • Program delivery
  • Pathway progression

 

Key Contacts

 

Name

Role

Email

Josh Minshull

Technical Officials Coordinator

referees@cougarfamily.com

The Cockburn Basketball Association (CBA) aims to create a positive, supportive and mentoring environment for:

  • Players
  • Coaches
  • Officials

We are committed to:

  • Developing referees at all stages
  • Providing structured education
  • Ensuring respect, fairness and safety across all competitions

Referees ensure the game is played:

  • Fairly
  • Safely
  • Within the rules


Referees must be:

  • Confident
  • Knowledgeable
  • Consistent
  • Fair
  • Physically fit


They are responsible for being mentally and physically prepared before officiating.

CBA provides a clear development system, supported by:

  • Referee Coaches
  • Assessments
  • Feedback forms
  • Workshops and training sessions

Progression is competency-based and aligned to BWA accreditation.

Referee Feedback Forms

  • Completed by Referee Coaches
  • Referee receives a copy
  • Quick debrief provided
  • Helps track growth and identify focus areas

 

Assessments

Promotion requires competency in:

  • Mechanics
  • Communication
  • Foul selection
  • Game control
  • Professionalism

 

Referee Coaching

Referee Coaches play a major role in:

  • Mentoring green shirts
  • Providing live in-game feedback (when appropriate)
  • Monitoring multiple courts
  • Supporting pathway progression

 

Coaching consistency improves referee confidence and performance.

These are the key skills and behaviours referees develop through the CBA pathway:

Communication

  • Clear, loud voice
  • Strong whistle use

Mechanics & Positioning

  • Strong lead and trail positioning
  • Movement timed to match the play

Terminology & Application

  • Consistent foul calling
  • Identifying obvious and major contact

Game Control

  • Confident decision making
  • Clear communication with coaches and players

Calling of the Game

  • Complete pre-game checks
  • Accurately manage substitutions & timeouts
  • Knowledge of competition by-laws

Professionalism

  • Fit and presentable
  • Shirt tucked in
  • High concentration and composure

Foul Selection

  • Understanding incidental vs illegal contact
  • Consistent fouls especially on shooters & dribblers

 

 

Referees must wear appropriate attire, including:

  • Suitable athletic footwear
  • Black shorts, pants or leggings
  • Level-appropriate short sleeve shirt
  • Undershirts allowed (black, white, or matching the shirt colour)
  • Shirt must be tucked in

Shirts reflect accreditation levels and help identify referee progression.

Beginner Referee Course – January School Holidays

CBA will be running a Beginner Referee Course in January.

Details
Wednesday 21st January
9am to 12pm
Wally Hagan Stadium

Cost $65 includes course fee, whistle and white ‘runners’ shirt

Register Here:
https://www.playhq.com/basketball-wa/register/9b17b5

What's next after the course?

Once you have received the accreditation you can apply to join our "Runners Program" waitlist by emailing referees@cougarfamily.com

There may be a small wait, but we'll touch base once we have positions available. We coordinate our runners and green shirts to ensure every Referee get the support they need, thank you for your patience as we work through the waitlist.

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