Recently, the Performance Pathways team hosted two Jamborees designed to bring together talented U14 athletes for a higher level of competitive gameplay, skill development, and coaching by our Basketball Victoria (BV) Performance Pathway Coaches. During the recent school holidays, we held one Jamboree for our Regional athletes and another for our Metro athletes.
The Jamboree, however, was not just about the players — it was a unique training opportunity for referees as well. The on-court scrimmages provided an ideal setting for referee coaches-in-training to work toward their Grade One coaching accreditations. As the young referees officiated each game, they were supported by trainee referee coaches who were, in turn, mentored by experienced, highly accredited BV referee coaches. This mentorship-driven environment created a unique opportunity for learning, building confidence, and sharpening the skills of tomorrow’s officiating leaders.
Staying together throughout the Jamborees, the referees enjoyed a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encouraged not only skill development but also friendship and camaraderie. They connected with fellow referees from across Victoria, building relationships and a network that promises to support them throughout their careers. Peer engagement at this level, rare for referee coaches who mainly focus on training others, was especially rewarding.
Across both Jamborees, 17 country and 52 metro participants completed the referee coaching beginner course, achieving an impressive 85% pass rate. Notably women and girls made up 30% of the participants, highlighting Basketball Victoria’s ongoing commitment to driving gender equity across all roles and aspects of our sport.
We look forward to more events like this, where we can witness the development, learning and growth of our future officials, athletes and coaches coming together. The positives went far beyond developing technical skills at these events, fostering a culture of passion, mentorship, and personal growth in our technical official community, as well as building a network of supportive peers for them to connect with in future.
Basketball Victoria’s dedication to enhancing the quality of refereeing is clear. To ensure that officiating Victorian basketball is in great hands — one where the values of integrity, community, and personal development are just as important as the rules of the game.
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