Referee Courses

LEVEL 1 REFEREE AWARD

Start your refereeing journey with the Level 1 Referee course. Perfect for the complete beginner who wants a better knowledge of the game: whether you are an under-16 player are just starting out in the officiating world; a parent; or a novice looking to get into the sport. This course gives an insight into the basic mechanics of refereeing, violations and fouls.

After completing the course, you will gain a nationally recognised qualification and understanding of:

• The Basics of Refereeing
• Game Administration
• Mechanics - Lead & Trail
• Violations & Signalling
• Fouls & Signalling

Level 1 Referees can officiate school games, youth local leagues, junior central venue league games and local recreational games, with experienced level 1 Referees able to officiate U12 & U14 Junior national leagues when deemed ready and with an experienced co-official or Referee Coach.

LEVEL 2 REFEREE AWARD

This course is perfect for those who have gained the necessary experience (recommended min. 12 months) having completed the Level 1 Referee course, giving the learner more in-depth education of the general rules of the game and skills required to referee more categories of games in your local area. Once the course is completed, a Basketball England Level 2 Referee can officiate local league, schools, colleges, BUCS, CBL, EABL and up to junior NBL.

Please see the Basketball North West Level 2 Pathway Guidance before applying - BNW Referee Pathway Level 1 to Level 2.

Level 2 online learning consists of 8 modules:

• Module 1 - Introduction
• Module 2 - Teams, Officials, Court & Equipment
• Module 3 - Playing Regulations
• Module 4 - Mechanics & Areas of Responsibility
• Module 5 - Violations
• Module 6 - Contact & General Principles
• Module 7 - Fouls
• Module 8 - Examination

LEVEL 3 REFEREE AWARD

This season-long course is provided by Basketball England and aimed at referees who want to progress from local or junior national league to senior National League games. The course gives you practical knowledge of game administration and refereeing in games of a higher standard. For more information about the Level 3 Referee Award, please click here - Level 3 Referee | Basketball England.

Please note – To apply for the Basketball England Level 3 Referee Award, you must first complete an expression of interest form. Kate Lewis, the North West regional referee coordinator, will then review and verify your eligibility and suitability, with senior referees and referee coaches also consulted.

Please see the Basketball North West Level 3 Pathway Guidance before applying - BNW Referee Pathway Level 2 to Level 3.

The expression of interest form can be found here.

LEVEL 4 REFEREE AWARD

Aimed at those who want to referee at the highest domestic level. The course is split into two parts; the pre-assessment phase and the assessment phase, with the first stage taking place from January to August, and the assessment phase following from September to May – over 2 seasons. For more information about the Level 4 Referee Award, please click here.

FIBA REFEREE AWARD

Experience at Level 4 and within the British professional leagues could earn you the chance to become an International FIBA Referee.

FIBA Referees re-licence every two years with the current licences expiring on 31 August 2025. To check out who our current and previous licenced FIBA Referees are click here.