Basketball Northern Ireland is thrilled to announce an exciting new initiative aimed at increasing female participation in refereeing. The Female-Only Referee Course will take place on Saturday 2nd November and Sunday 3rd November at South Lakes Leisure Centre in Craigavon. This two-day course is part of BNI’s broader strategy to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for female referees across Northern Ireland.
Why a Female-Only Course?
The decision to host a female-only referee course reflects BNI’s commitment to addressing the gender gap in officiating. With fewer women traditionally involved in refereeing, this initiative aims to break down the barriers and provide an encouraging and supportive setting for women interested in getting involved.
By offering a female-led environment, including a female tutor and guest speakers, participants will have the chance to learn from experienced officials who understand the challenges and benefits unique to female referees.
Course Details
Dates:
Saturday, 2nd November (10am – 6pm)
Sunday, 3rd November (10am – 3pm)
Location: South Lakes Leisure Centre, Craigavon.
The course will be free of charge for all female participants. Both Basketball NI and Basketball Ireland have fully subsidised the course.
Special Guest Speaker
One of the highlights of the course will be a talk by Niamh Callaghan, an experienced referee, who will share her personal journey in officiating. Niamh will discuss the benefits of being a referee and offer valuable strategies for managing interactions with players on the court—something that has been identified as a concern by female referees. Her talk aims to inspire confidence and show how refereeing can be an incredibly rewarding and empowering role for women.
Call to Clubs
BNI encourages all clubs to send at least one female representative to participate in the course. This is an excellent opportunity for clubs to foster female leadership and involvement in officiating within their ranks.
Registration can be carried out via the link [here]. The course is fully subsidised, ensuring that it is free of charge for all participants.
This Female-Only Referee Course is a crucial step toward increasing female involvement in officiating within BNI. The supportive environment, expert instruction, and inspiring guest speaker will provide participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed. We encourage women from all clubs across Northern Ireland to take advantage of this opportunity and start their journey as referees.
For more information and updates, stay tuned to BNI’s social media channels and reach out directly to your club representatives. Let’s make basketball officiating more inclusive, diverse, and empowered!