YOUNG OFFICIAL SPOTLIGHT: REFEREE DAN, AGED 16

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our young referees, Daniel, who has been working hard to prepare for the 25/26 season. Daniel has already shown great commitment and enthusiasm for officiating, taking every opportunity to learn and develop his skills on and off the court. As part of our community focus on supporting referees and table officials, Daniel represents the next generation of officials coming through the game – passionate, positive, and ready to take on the challenge of helping basketball grow.

What motivated you to become a basketball official?

"When watching games at all levels I was always interested in how the referees made calls. I want to be a professional Basketball referee and pursue this as far as i can go. I strongly believe in fair play from playing basketball I have seen how being a good referee can make a difference in the sport."

How have you been preparing for the upcoming 25/26 season?

"I’m so lucky to have a mentor in Steve Lindoe and as I progress Jonpaul Herron too. I’m currently working towards my level 2. Steve has given me the opportunity to referee during the summer and I have started my assessment games. I have refereed for the vipers during the summer. I was also given the opportunity to referee at the Keith Harrison memorial games. This was an amazing experience I received feedback from professional referees In the sport. At home I have watched games, making note of the referees calls, court positioning etc. I have applied for my DBS and have my referee licence along with registering as a referee for the vipers. Thank you for helping me Joe too with my development."

Have you taken part in any training, workshops, or courses this summer?

"(As above) being asked to referee friendlies. Receiving feedback from Steve Lindoe who is a level 3 referee, has helped me. Being on the court is one of the best ways to learn."

What’s been the most useful skill or piece of advice you’ve learned so far?

"Believe in what you are doing and be confident in the calls you are making."

How do you keep yourself confident and calm when making tough calls on the court?

"Thinking calmly and reacting quickly, making the call to what I see . It’s about believing the in your calls. If necessary explaining why a call was made."

What part of officiating are you most excited about this season?

"Developing my skills, completing my level 2 and using this at National league and local league."

How do you balance your role as an official with playing, studying, or other commitments?

"I played for one team during the past season at CVL on a Saturday. This season I have refereed and coached 3 other teams (u8, U10 and U14s) around my own game time. On Saturdays and Sundays I have coached and refereed in one venue which has made things easier. Im careful about studying and have managed my time carefully. I have just finished my GCSES during the weekends and weeknights I made a revision time table so I was revising correctly (putting the time in needed II understand that as I progress as a referee I will have to adapt and manage my time carefully (travel etc). "

What are your personal goals as an official for this season?

"To complete my level 2 qualification (two more assessment games ) and too use this qualification in local and national league games. To push towards starting my level 3 at the end of the season."

How does being part of a community club like Vipers help support you in your journey?

"Massively!!!! I feel and know I’m being supported in my journey as a referee. The feedback I have received is constructive and I know that there are those within the club that genuinely want to see me do well. I have a clear path way for my development now and I’m excited for the new season."

What advice would you give to another young person thinking about becoming a referee or table official?

"Don’t be scared to ask questions and ask for help."