REFEREES

Are you 14 or older and looking for a way to stay active, develop leadership skills, and earn money? Our Beginner Schools are the entry point into officiating at McKinnon. We generally run 3–4 schools throughout the year.

To ensure we recruit officials with the right communication skills and attitude, applicants will be invited to attend a Group Interview Process. This is a great opportunity for us to meet you and for you to learn more about the expectations of joining our team.

How it works:

• Register: Complete the Beginner School Interest Form below to join our waiting list.

• Interview: Once dates are finalised, you will be contacted via email to attend a group interview session.

• Notification: Successful candidates from the interview will be invited to enrol in the upcoming Beginner School.

• Communication: To keep our administration efficient, please do not reach out for individual status updates. If you are on the list, you will be notified as soon as interview dates are set!

• If you have any other questions, see our FAQs here

MBA NEW REFEREE EOI FORM HERE

Our structured development program is designed to build confidence at every stage. We utilise a tiered mentorship model to ensure that no official is ever placed on a court without the appropriate level of on-site support and guidance.

What to Expect

Phase 1: Trainee - White Shirt

You will run as a third official, supervised and mentored directly by a fully qualified official on-court.

Phase 2: Apprentice - Green Shirt

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll wear the Green Shirt, officiating a game opposite a qualified partner who provides constant feedback.

Phase 3: Qualified - Striped C Grade

After a successful assessment, you’ll graduate to the classic stripes as a fully qualified C Grade official.

Are you an experienced referee looking to return to the court or transfer from another association? We welcome officials of all levels to the McKinnon family.

Please complete the form below so our Referee Advisor can review your experience and integrate you into our roster.

MBA RETURNING OR TRANSFERRING REFEREE FORM

For all inquiries regarding recruitment, training, or officiating at McKinnon, please contact our advisor Matt Dickins via email referees@mckinnonbasketball.org.

Note: To ensure a formal review process, any concerns or issues regarding specific weekend games must be directed through your Club Delegate. Emails regarding in-game disputes sent directly to the Referee Advisor will not be addressed

Everything you need to know about starting your officiating journey at McKinnon.

Getting Started

How old do I need to be to start?

To participate in our Beginner School, you must be at least 14 years old. This ensures officials have the maturity to manage game situations and communicate effectively with players and coaches.

When is the next Beginner School?

We generally run 3–4 schools throughout the year. Because these are scheduled based on court availability and instructor timing, we don’t always have dates months in advance.

I’ve filled out the Interest Form; when will I hear back?

Everyone who expresses interest via our JotForm is added to our official waitlist. Once dates for the upcoming school are finalised, we will email everyone on that list. To keep our administration running smoothly, please do not reach out for individual status updates. If you are on the list, you will be notified as soon as a spot is available!

What happens at the Group Interview?

Don't be nervous! The group interview is a casual session where we look at your ability to communicate, work in a team, and follow instructions. We’ll go over what it’s like to be a McKinnon referee and answer any questions you or your parents might have.

Do I need basketball knowledge for the interview?

While a basic understanding of the game is helpful, we are primarily looking for a great attitude, reliability, and a willingness to learn. We will teach you the rules—we just need you to bring the enthusiasm!

The McKinnon Pathway

Will I be refereeing games alone right away?

Not at all. At McKinnon, we use a structured "On-Court" training model. You will start as a White Shirt Trainee, where you run as a third official alongside a qualified mentor. You only progress to a Green Shirt (and eventually your Stripes) once our Referee Advisors are confident in your skills.

What equipment do I need to buy?

While we provide your whistle and shirts, you will need to come prepared with the following:

• Summer Season: Black shorts or slacks, black or white socks, and black or white athletic shoes.

• Winter Season: Black slacks, black socks, and black athletic shoes.

Commitment & Pay

How much do referees get paid?

Refereeing is a great way to earn tax-free pocket money. Pay rates are tiered based on your current grading (Trainee, C-Grade, B-Grade, etc.). McKinnon pay rates are based on the Basketball Victoria Recommended Reimbursement Rates, which are updated annually.

When are the games?

We have officiating opportunities throughout the week to suit your schedule:

• Wednesday Nights: Juniors & Over 35s

• Friday Nights: VJBL (Experienced officials only)

• Saturdays (All Day): Junior Boys

• Sundays (All Day): Junior Girls & Seniors

You have full control over your schedule via our digital rostering system. This allows you to set your availability each week to work around school, exams, and your own playing commitments.

Experienced Referees

I am already a qualified referee at another association or looking to return after a break. Can I start immediately? We would love to have you! Please fill out the MBA Transfer/Return Form.

Our Referee Advisor will review your current grading and experience to integrate you into our roster. You may be asked to run a "shadow" game so we can verify your grading before you begin regular shifts.