Basketball Queensland’s (BQ) Positive Behaviour Framework has proven to be a game-changer, creating a safer and more respectful environment for officials and volunteers across the state. 

The initiative, designed to address ongoing challenges in referee retention and recruitment, has brought significant changes since its introduction in March 2023.

The framework was established to counter negative spectator behavior, inappropriate comments, and lack of respect for officials, all of which had previously led to declining numbers of referees. 

BQ Technical Officials Manager, Alex McEwan, believes that change was necessary to support the increasing participation numbers in Queensland. 

“Referees often face challenging and sometimes hostile environments during games, which can lead to stress and lower retention rates. We recognized that without addressing these concerns—especially given the growth of the sport—the future of basketball would face challenges."

At the core of the Positive Behaviour Framework are the Green Lanyard and Warning Card initiatives. 

Referees under the age of 18 now wear green lanyards, helping the community easily identify younger officials and encouraging a supportive approach when interacting with them. 

The framework also introduced a Warning Card system, empowering referees with a structured way to address poor sideline behavior, which may lead to technical fouls and, if necessary, removal of disruptive spectators. 

Since implementing the framework, Basketball Queensland has seen significant progress: between the Under 14 and Under 12 State Championships, warning cards distributed and spectator removals dropped by 53.6% and 85.7%, respectively. 

These initiatives have made an immediate impact, with verbal abuse incidents significantly dropping and overall cooperation among spectators, coaches, and officials increasing. 

Notably, Basketball Queensland saw unprecedented success in referee recruitment at the recent State Championships, with 224 nominations for match officials. For the first time, 50 referees had to be turned away due to the surplus.

“This dramatic shift highlights the program's success in creating a welcoming and supportive environment,” McEwan added. 

The Positive Behaviour Framework not only helps referees feel safer but has also fostered a culture of respect and recognition for officials. Feedback channels established through the framework allow efforts to be acknowledged, contributing to improved retention rates and a surge in new sign-ups.

Basketball Queensland has affirmed its commitment to further developing the framework to keep pace with the sport's growth and changing social dynamics. 

As the organisation continues to build on the framework’s success, it expects that the Positive Behaviour Framework will bring lasting, positive change to the culture of basketball across Queensland.

Want to join BQ as a referee? Find out more here.

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