Refereeing a sports game can be challenging, particularly when students are holding the whistle and refereeing their peers.

Liston College recognised the difficulties some of their student referees were experiencing and the need for more referees in its secondary school basketball competitions.  Sport Waitākere partnered with the College to deliver their first in-house basketball referee’s beginner course. 

Jemma Palmer, Youth Sport Advisor at Sport Waitākere, says the purpose of the workshop was to educate and equip Liston’s student referees with the fundamental knowledge of refereeing.

“The influence of the students’ lack of education around the basic rules of basketball and their confidence in blowing the whistle was a contributing factor in why they were struggling to enjoy their experience,” says Jemma.

The training became an opportunity to connect, learn, collaborate and reinforce confidence in making decisions and steered conversations around what a good referee looks like.

One student said “I like to referee but sometimes I don’t know the hand signals so I don’t call it”.

Another commented “I know the rules but when people yell at me I don’t like to blow my whistle”.

The two lead students were able to provide knowledge and insights from a referee and athlete perspective and directed conversations around the policies and expectations of a referee within those game situations.

They also provided practical knowledge and were able to answer questions if anyone was unsure of what the process was. It provided the student referees with a better understanding around supporting all who participated within sport, ensuring everyone has an enjoyable experience.

One of the lead students said “You just referee what you see and try and get to the right place on the court so you get a good view and make better calls”.

Another lead student continued “You’re not going to see everything but call what you do see and try and be confident with it - if you blow your whistle hard that helps”.

“If we can guide, educate, and support young referees early and influence their confidence and capability, then this should equip them with the tools to enjoy refereeing.  This will lead to keeping them engaged in the sport and referee community, and increase our ability to create more positive experiences for all participants,” concluded Jemma.

The workshop included 20 student referees and had two senior students lead, with the support of Sport Waitākere.  A second workshop is being planned with the same group to further build capability within the school.   

Article added: Friday 21 July 2023