Referees
Become a
referee.
Starting out as a trainee or an experienced official looking for a new home? We have a place for you.
New referees
Beginner
School.
14 or older and want to stay active, build leadership skills and earn money? Beginner School is how you start officiating at McKinnon. We usually run 3 or 4 a year.
To find people with the right attitude and communication skills, we invite applicants to a group interview first.
How it works
Four simple
steps.
The McKinnon referee pathway
Never alone
on court.
Every stage has a mentor on site, so you build confidence at every step.
Experienced referees
Returning or
transferring?
We welcome officials of every level. Fill out the form and our Referee Advisor will review your experience and add you to the roster.
For recruitment, training or officiating questions, email Matt Dickins at referees@mckinnonbasketball.org.
Concerns about a specific weekend game must go through your Club Delegate. Emails about in game disputes sent to the Referee Advisor will not be answered.
Frequently asked questions
How old do I need to be?
You must be at least 14 to join a Beginner School. It means officials have the maturity to manage games and talk with players and coaches.
When is the next Beginner School?
We usually run 3 or 4 a year. They depend on court and instructor availability, so dates are not always set months ahead.
I filled out the interest form. When will I hear back?
Everyone who fills out the form goes on our waitlist. When dates are set we email the whole list. Please do not ask for individual updates. If you are on the list, you will hear from us.
What happens at the group interview?
Don’t be nervous. It is a casual session where we look at how you communicate, work in a team and follow instructions. We explain what it is like to referee at McKinnon and answer your questions and your parents’ questions.
Do I need basketball knowledge?
A basic understanding helps, but we mostly want a great attitude, reliability and a willingness to learn. We will teach you the rules.
Will I referee games alone straight away?
Not at all. You start as a White Shirt Trainee, running as a third official next to a qualified mentor. You only move up to a Green Shirt, and then stripes, when our Referee Advisors are confident in you.
What do I need to buy?
We give you a whistle and shirts. You bring:
- Summer: black shorts or slacks, black or white socks, black or white sports shoes.
- Winter: black slacks, black socks, black sports shoes.
How much do referees get paid?
Refereeing is a great way to earn tax free pocket money. Pay depends on your grading (Trainee, C Grade, B Grade and so on) and follows the Basketball Victoria recommended rates, updated every year.
When are the games?
- Wednesday nights: juniors and over 35s
- Friday nights: VJBL, experienced officials only
- Saturdays: junior boys, all day
- Sundays: junior girls and seniors, all day
You set your own availability each week in our rostering system, so it fits around school, exams and your own games.
I’m already qualified. Can I start now?
We would love to have you. Fill out the transfer or return form. Our Referee Advisor will check your grading and experience, and may ask you to run a shadow game first.