National Basketball Referees Association announce updated referee development structure

The National Basketball Referees Association (NBRA) and Basketball Ireland have announced a comprehensive restructuring of the referee development system, with the aim of delivering national consistency, improved performance pathways and enhanced support for officials across the country.

Under the new model, the National Basketball Referees Association (NBRA) will take full responsibility for the development of referees in all regions. The responsibility of training and development, previously held by Area Associations, (AA's) will shift to newly formed Development Working Groups (DWGs) headed by Training and Performance Leads in each region.

If you wish to apply to be a Training and Performance Lead in your region, you can do so at the bottom if this article. 

Paul Dempsey, FIBA National Instructor and Referee Training and Performance Manager for Basketball Ireland, stated:

“This is a transformative move for officiating in Ireland. Centralising referee development under the NBRA allows us to create a structured, consistent, and high-performance environment that will benefit referees at all levels. It ensures that every referee, no matter where they are based, will have access to the same level of training, mentoring, and opportunity. This restructure reflects our commitment to excellence. We’re putting a strong, coordinated development system in place that raises the bar for all referees, while still recognising and supporting the vital role of Area Associations. It's a forward-thinking approach that sets the foundation for the future of Irish officiating.”

In addition to the six existing regions, two new Development Working Groups will be established immediately in the Limerick/Clare and Midlands regions, with further expansion planned. Each Developement Working Group will include an 'Appointments Officer' and a 'Local Support Team', working in collaboration with NBRA leadership.

The number of Area Associations will also increase to seven, with the addition of a new Clare/Limerick region. While Area Associations will step back from development duties, they will continue to handle administration, member representation, disciplinary matters, and child protection—working in conjunction with Basketball Ireland’s Safeguarding Officer when required.

Jim Dudley, Independent Chairperson of the NBRA, added:

“NBRA are extremely grateful to all Area Associations for the sterling work that has been done by them all on behalf of referees. This new development platform, developed by NBRA in conjunction with our Area Associations and recently ratified by the Board of Basketball Ireland, will allow our Area Associations to continue to represent NBRA members in their local leagues while allowing the new Development Working Groups to intently focus on bringing our officials to the numbers and quality necessary for our expanding basketball community. We are delighted to implement this new development strategy and look forward to working with our Development Working Groups in the upcoming season.”

As part of the changes, all referees must be fully registered with both Basketball Ireland and the NBRA. A new standardised annual fee structure will ensure funding is appropriately allocated toward development, while also providing consistent representation across all regions.

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Apply to become a Referees Training and Performance Lead

(Volunteer – Regional Role)

JOB DESCRIPTION 

APPLICATION FORM

Anyone interested in the positions should fill in the application form and return to Paul Dempsey on pdempsey@ireland.basketball by 17:00 on Friday 8^thAugust.