What referee awards does Basketball England offer, and what does each one let me referee?
Rule- England
- Basketball England
- FIBA rules
- FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026
- All ages
- 2026/27
- Referees
| Award | Who it's for | What's involved | Qualifies you for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Complete beginners, e.g. under-16 players, parents and novices | Online course on basic mechanics, violations and fouls | Working alongside a Level 2+ referee in Under 12, Under 14 Conference and Regional, and Under 16 Regional Junior NBL games; a route into Level 2 |
| Level 2 | Beginners with playing experience or Level 1; recommended minimum age 16 | About 16 hours: online modules, a 4-hour practical session, a 50-question true/false exam (70% pass mark) and 3 assessment games supervised by a Level 3+ referee or approved Referee Coach. Must be finished within 12 months. Cost £85 | Local leagues, schools, colleges, BUCS and up to Junior NBL |
| Level 3 | Level 2 referees moving up to senior National League; minimum age 18 | At least two years refereeing as a Level 2, verified by your regional referee coordinator. A season-long programme (September to May) with 14 game evaluations, a rules, video and mechanics exam and a practical session. Applications for 2026/27 opened in August 2026 | Senior National League, as a Group C referee once appointed by Basketball England |
| Level 4 | Under review |
There is also a separate 3x3 refereeing course. Experience at Level 4 and in the British professional leagues can lead to a licence; current FIBA licences expire on 31 August 2027.
Updated 21 Oct 2026