Community keeps Dominic Gehrig coming back
McKinnon Basketball Association is sharing the stories of our officials across our website and social media, recognising their achievements and celebrating the people who help make our games possible.
Eleven years after picking up a whistle for some pocket money, Dominic Gehrig says it’s the people at McKinnon who keep him coming back.
McKinnon Basketball Association’s 2026 Referee of the Year capped off a significant season with Level 3 accreditation and an appointment to the Big V Youth Championship Women Grand Final.
But when asked what he enjoys most about refereeing at McKinnon, his answer is immediate….“The people.”
“I couldn’t have sustained this hobby for eleven years without a pretty good reason to keep rocking up week in, week out,” Dom said.
“For me, that reason has become the MBA community: my fellow referees and friends; the venue managers who greet me with a smile each week; the coaches who say hello before every game and thank me afterwards, regardless of the result; the spectators who take the time to let me know they appreciate what I do; and the players who don’t mind cracking a few jokes between free throws.
“These are the people who make me look forward to returning to the court each season.”
Dom’s introduction to officiating will sound familiar to many young referees taking their first steps into the role.
“Like most of our beginner referees, I started at 14, looking to earn a bit of pocket money and hoping to develop a better understanding of the game.”
Since then, refereeing has taken him to courts across Victoria, with this year’s Big V Grand Final appointment standing out as a personal highlight.
“Officiating the Big V VYCW Grand Final this year was a real highlight and a fantastic way to round off an enjoyable season.”
His achievements in 2026 also included appointments to the National Junior Classic Under 18 Boys competition and the Under 18 Girls VC Reserve Grand Final.
Recognition at the McKinnon Cougars Awards Night provided another special moment, particularly because of the community sharing it with him.
“I’ve put a lot of work into improving my officiating this year, so it was really rewarding to have that effort recognised by my home association,” Dom said.
“It was especially meaningful to be congratulated by the familiar faces I see around our domestic competition every week.”
For anyone considering becoming a referee, Dom’s experience shows how much can follow that first decision to give it a go.
“What started as a way to earn some pocket money has given me the opportunity to travel all over the state, to meet people from diverse backgrounds and work alongside them,” he said.
“If you’re thinking about giving refereeing a go, do it! You may be surprised by just how much you get out of it.”
Interested in becoming a referee at McKinnon Basketball Association? Visit our referees page to find out more!