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| Why
Have You Become a Referee? |
Why
have you become a referee?
Is it to earn an income, for a challenge, because your friends are
involved or just to see a different side of the game? No matter what
the reason, you have given yourself the opportunity to gainconfidence,
courage, communication skills, knowledge and valuable experience from
refereeing the game of basketball.Now that you’ve taken the
plunge it’s time for you to get out on the court and have some
fun! |
Purpose
of the Game
All modern games including basketball should be seen as a substitute
for warfare. Two groups come together on the ‘battlefield’
with the aim of proving that one is better than the other. In the
case of basketball, scoring more baskets than your opponent does this.
On the battlefield the participants agree to conduct the ‘war’
according to agreed rules. Of course in the heat of the ‘battle’
the participants do not always remember the rules or play according
to them. |
Role
of the Referee
Hence we need referees whose job it is to watch the ‘battle’.
When in their opinion someone has broken the rules and gained an unfair
advantage from this or placed a member of the opposition at a disadvantage,
the official stops the game and awards penalties.These penalties may
range from giving the ball to the non-offending
side, to the extreme a player may be asked to take no further part
in
the game.Referees can also be viewed as ‘Policeman’, ‘Lawyer’,
‘Judge’, and also as an ‘Executioner’. They
are ‘Policemen’, when they catch people breaking the law.
They are a ‘Lawyer’ when they have to explain their reason,
‘Judge’ to determine the result and an
‘Executioner’ to give the penalty. |
REFEREEING
IS A DIFFICULT ART!
It is not a job that everyone can do!To do the job properly you need
to be fit
Many people don’t have the personal attributes to become a good
referee. Some do not have the necessary reflexes to see things and
make a call.Referees need to exercise judgement as well as seeing
things happen.At higher levels of refereeing the secret to success
is learning how to manage people.You need to be thick skinned as not
to become disheartened when mistakes are made or criticism is given.
These are sometimes
common traits viewed in the average game of basketball. |
Professionalism
As a participant who will often receive payment or incentives to be
actively involved in sport is to be professional it is the responsibility
of the referee to uphold an image both on and off the court that is
accepted by all players, coaches and spectators. Referees are expected
to give a high level of service to the game which is often judged
and scrutinized by all participants throughout the sport. In order
to gain respect and credibility referees need to be mindful of the
following –
1. Preparation, ‘Failing to prepare is preparing to fail’.
2. Be well presented, ‘First impressions last’.
3. Your effort
4. Method of communicating with players participate
5. Knowledge and understanding of the game
6. Overall approach to the game. |
Key
Refereeing Traits
1. Punctuality
2. Reliability
3. Ability to enjoy the game
4. Communication skills
5. Basketball knowledge. It is one component of your tools. The
other 4 components say a lot about how you treat people
(consumers)
And remember, someone is always watching. |
Referees
Uniform
Refereeing begins even before you leave to travel for your game. One
of the most important things you need to referee is your uniform.
A
referee should wear the following to officiate a game –
• black shorts/pants
• Black shoes
• Black socks
• Referees shirt
Referees should also be equipped with a -
• Whistle
• Black belt with pants
• Drink bottle
It is important that the referee is always in uniform and well presented
for the game so that a professional image and impression is made even
before the game commencements. Always be in uniform to referee. |
Referee’s
Responsibility
As refereeing is delivering of a service to customers (i.e. players
purchase the service) see you as -
1. An employee
2. Someone who should give 100% effort at all times ( which is not
unreasonable)
3. Someone who is open to criticism
4. Someone to blame
It is therefore necessary for referees to earn respect by being –
• Professional
• Well presented
• Serviceable
• Accountable
• Punctual
• Committed
• Reliable
Refereeing is considerably about image and how the referee conducts
him or her self. Should the official choose an approachable manner
and respectable presence the referee will be well on the way to
officiating a good game. |
Did
you know HKBA had Quality Assurance Guidelines?
The HKBA Quality Assurance Guidelines document has been developed
in order to uphold the professionalism and accountability of referees
within the Association.
As with any other position that requires the individual to be professional,certain
rules and regulations need to be addressed so that ‘An acceptable
demeanour is set throughout the HKBA referees program and ultimately
the whole of the Association'.
The aim of the policy is to: -
1. Continuously improve the overall standard of all referees
2. Promote a professional image to the customer
3. Improve the discipline as a person and a referee
4. Be able to treat refereeing as a job in a positive manner
HKBA is offering monthly incentives for referees that consistently
abide by these guidelines according to the HKBA Referees Committee.
If referees are identified as continually receiving these incentives
and improving their overall performance on rostered games, those officials
can be given an opportunity to graduate to a higher level of game
and a review of their current refereeing grade.The choice is up to
you!To obtain a copy of the Quality Assurance Guidelines please contact
HKBA. |
