​​​​​​​Like all IHBS programs, participants in our referee training program are subject to our Gender Inclusion Policy* and our Code of Conduct.

IHBS offers an Intro to Refereeing Clinic at the start of each Sunday 3X3 League season. People who complete the Intro to Refereeing Clinic are eligible to register with the Victoria Basketball Officials Association ("VBOA") to be assigned to officiate games in the following season of our Sunday 3X3 League, where referees are paid $90 per night. Officiating is traditionally a male-dominated field, and our priority with this program is to provide people outside that demographic with a welcoming place to learn.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The Intro to Refereeing Clinic is beginner-friendly, but we recommend attendees have some general experience with basketball (playing, coaching, or watching regularly).  Attendees are NOT required to have any prior experience refereeing or officiating basketball. That said, it is preferred that attendees are at least somewhat familiar with the rules and structure of basketball (as the Intro to Refereeing Clinic covers a lot of material in a short time, and it may be tricky to keep up if you don't yet know what a double-dribble or screen is).

This program benefits participants by teaching them a new way to understand and view a basketball game, providing them with income-generating skills, and providing institutional support in a field that is historically unwelcoming to women and genderqueer people.
This program benefits IHBS because it provides quality officiating for the Sunday 3X3 League and builds relationships in the community (many referees in our program have chosen to pursue further official training and employment opportunities in the community with the Victoria Basketball Officials Association/VBOA).

Important Note: This clinic focuses on officiating the 3X3 game format, and as such, does not equip participants to referee full-court club or high school basketball; that training is provided by the Victoria Basketball Officials Association/VBOA. Participants who enjoy this introduction to refereeing program and want to take their skills to the next level (e.g. learn 5v5 officiating to referee youth night league or local high school basketball games) will be introduced to VBOA leadership and supported by IHBS in that pursuit. VBOA does not have a website or online presence; please contact us if you wish to be connected with them.​​​​​​​

All people who:

• are aged 18+, and
• are at least somewhat familiar with the rules and structure of basketball, and
• are interested in learning about how and why officials/referees do what they do, and/or
• would like to make some extra money refereeing Sunday 3X3 League.

are invited to our training session.

* At IHBS's request, VBOA will be prioritizing self-identified women, non-binary people and transgender people of all genders when assigning officials to Sunday 3X3 League. If there are not enough officials in this demographic available at any scheduled game nights, then officials outside of this demographic who have successfully completed training will be offered assignments officiating Sunday 3X3 League.

The next Intro to Refereeing Clinic will be scheduled in early September 2025. Please stay tuned!

Topics Covered: (subject to change)

Brooke has been a referee with Canada Basketball since 2014. She is an international FIBA licensee (one of only 15 in Canada!), and a member of the Canada West (USports) and PACWEST (CCAA) panels. She was awarded “Official of the Year” at the 2023 North Shore Sport Awards. Brooke also serves on the EDI Sub-Committee of the Canada Basketball Officials’ Commission. IHBS is thrilled to have someone like Brooke, with an impressive refereeing resume and shared values, facilitate this program.

Here are some of Brooke’s notable assignments: