Referee courses – Basketball Illawarra

Since February 2026 every referee in Australia follows the same Basketball Australia pathway. Theory is online through etrainu; the practical work happens on court at the Snakepit with our referee coaches. Basketball Illawarra can take you through C1 to C3. From S1 upwards, Basketball NSW nominates referees for the next course.

C1 Referee — start here (13+)

Formerly the Community referee course. Covers referee mechanics and positioning, violations, contact principles, fouls, game administration and the personal qualities of a good referee.

Create an account at basketballaustralia.etrainu.com → Training Library → Basketball Australia – Officiating → enrol in the C1 Referee Course and complete the online modules
Register for the C1 Referee In-Person Workshop at the Snakepit under Training Events (you can only book once the modules are done)
Contact referees@snakepit.com.au — we roster you with a referee coach who shadows you on court until you’re confident
Once ready, a referee coach runs your on-court observation assessment; our TOPM checks it and you upload it to etrainu

C1 referees officiate junior domestic competition (Under 10 to Under 14).

C2 Referee (14+)

Formerly Development. More advanced mechanics and game management. Online modules, then an on-court competency assessment. C2 referees can officiate all domestic competitions except the top senior division, and Waratah Junior League U12, U14 and U16 Girls — the minimum for junior representative games.

C3 Referee (15+)

Formerly Intermediate. Online modules and assessment at a higher standard. C3 referees can officiate every domestic competition and all Waratah Junior Leagues.

S1 and beyond — by nomination

S1 (formerly Advanced, 18+), S2 and S3 (State), N1–N3 (National and FIBA) are by nomination from Basketball NSW’s officiating team, based on performance in Waratah and NBL1 competitions. Our referee coaches put forward referees who are ready.

Upgrades

There’s no fixed time between levels — it depends on your performance and readiness. Talk to the referee coordinator before enrolling in the next course; we’ll arrange an observation.