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Basketball South Australia is excited to announce the launch of the Green Whistle Campaign, starting this October with the Junior District Pre/Grading Season. This initiative is focused on supporting referees under the age of 18, helping them feel empowered, respected, and protected on the court.  


What is the Green Whistle Campaign? 

The Green Whistle Campaign introduces distinctive green whistles for our younger referees. The green whistle serves as a visible reminder to players, coaches, and spectators that these referees are in a learning phase and need additional support and respect. However, the campaign’s positive impact is intended to extend beyond just young officials. 

How the Green Whistle Campaign Benefits All Referees 

By raising awareness about the challenges young referees face, the Green Whistle Campaign aims to foster a culture of respect that benefits all referees, regardless of their age or experience. When we create an environment where younger officials are respected, it sends a strong message that all referees deserve to be treated fairly and professionally. The campaign hopes to reduce negative behaviour across the board, contributing to a more positive atmosphere for everyone officiating Basketball SA games. 

“Basketball South Australia is dedicated to fostering a respectful and positive environment for all participants in the sport,” said Andrew Filmer — Manager, Referee Framework Services at Basketball South Australia. “The Green Whistle Campaign is a significant step in ensuring our young referees feel supported and valued. We invite everyone in the basketball community to join us in making this initiative successful.”  

Key Objectives of the Green Whistle Campaign 

  • Empowering Young Referees – The green whistle symbolises learning, support, and safeguarding, helping young referees build confidence in their roles. 
  • Reducing Negative Behaviour – The initiative seeks to reduce poor behaviour and verbal abuse directed at all referees, not just the young ones, by reinforcing that disrespect is unacceptable at any level of officiating
  • Promoting Respect for All Referees - By raising awareness of the difficulties that young referees face, we aim to encourage a culture of respect that benefits officials of all ages and experience levels.  

Together, we can create a respectful and supportive environment for every referee, ensuring that they feel valued for their contributions to the game.  

 

FAQ’s:

Why is the green whistle used? 

The green whistle serves as a symbol of learning, support and safeguarding for young referees. It helps distinguish them from adult referees and signals to players, coaches, and spectators to show respect and encourage positive behaviour. 

Who is the target audience for the campaign? 

The campaign targets young referees (under 18), basketball players, coaches, parents and spectators.

How can I support the Green Whistle Campaign? 

You can support the campaign by: 
– Respecting young referees and their decisions during games and reminding people around you to also respect the referees. 
– Sharing campaign materials and spreading the message within your community. 

Why is this campaign only for U18 referees?
The Green Whistle Campaign is focused on referees under 18 because they are often in the early stages of their officiating journey and face unique challenges, such as building confidence and managing on-court pressure. Additionally, U18 referees make up a significant portion of our refereeing cohort, and it’s essential that they feel supported so they continue to develop and stay engaged in refereeing long-term.

By providing these younger referees with extra support and the visible symbol of the green whistle, the campaign creates a safer and more encouraging environment for them to learn and grow. While the green whistle is specific to U18 referees, the campaign aims to foster respect and understanding for officials of all ages, promoting a more positive atmosphere for everyone involved.

I am an Under 18 Referee; how do I get my whistle, and are they free?

If you are currently a referee in a Basketball SA-managed competition (e.g., District Leagues or MSBL), you will have received communication explaining how to collect your green whistle.

If you have questions or did not receive this communication, please contact us at referees@basketballsa.com.au.

You will receive one green whistle as part of this campaign at no cost. Should you wish to have more than one whistle, you can purchase additional ones via this https://form.jotform.com/Basketballsa/product-order-form

What if I see disrespectful behaviour towards a referee with a green whistle?

We would expect you to call out the disrespectful behaviour and ask the offending person to rethink their actions. Whether the actions are from a coach, player, parent or spectator.

If the behaviour breaches Basketball SA’s Behaviour Management Framework, club staff (including coaches and team managers) are responsible for working with the SSO when people breach the Codes of Behaviour.

However, the campaign aims to change behaviours and encourage an environment of respect.

The behaviour you walk past, you accept.