WELLINGTON COUNTY – As the game of basketball booms across Canada, the need for referees is expanding rapidly in Guelph and the county, states the Guelph Board of Approved Basketball Officials (GBABO).
The GBABO, which covers all of Wellington and Dufferin counties, is on the lookout for new basketball officials for the upcoming 2025/26 season.
“During the week we’re okay but on the weekends, it’s horrendous,” GBABO rules interpreter Frank Cecchetto told the Advertiser.
“On a busy weekend we may cover 60 games … 60 games at two officials per game, we’ll have some [referees] doing four or five games a day,” he said.
Currently the board has 43 officials but only 30 working at a “steady rate.”
Cecchetto noted the need for young people but said the organization will take anybody.
The lack of referrees is due to age/physical difficulties and graduates moving away.
“Officials retire when they are no longer able to run on the floor,” said Cecchetto.
When asked if parents or coaches add to the loss of officials Cecchetto stated, “I think we’re blessed with the coaches that we have in the area.
“Let’s say they are reasonable and generally speaking, respectful.”
First- and second-year referees were completing 100 games or more where they should be doing 30 to 40 max, he said.
“Officiating teaches you how to deal with people no matter what their temperament might be … it’s also a good way to make a little extra money,” Cecchetto said.
New officials with no experience start with house league games which pay $40 per game.
“An average game is one hour and 10 minutes long,” he said.
For U15 or older officials receive $60, U14 totals $55 and anything under U13 gets $50. When asked if there is a possibility of games getting cancelled in the county, Cecchetto said, “That is not going to be an issue because we would do whatever we have to do to give them referrees.”
In dire cases the GBABO will ask for help from other boards.
“If it’s in Orangeville, we ask help from Peel,” he said.
Those interested in officiating can participate in an on-court training program tutored by experienced officials.
Candidates must be at least 14 years of age.
The first meeting will be held on Sept. 8 at 7pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School (54 Westmount Rd., Guelph).
There will also be a mandatory training session for all new referees on Sept. 13 at Our Lady of Lourdes.
Weekly training meetings take place three Mondays per month until the end of November.
“The first year you can only get assigned to house league and get assigned to elementary. We want to put them in positions where they can be successful,” Cecchetto said.
“If you put in the time and effort, there are tremendous opportunities for advancement, especially if you’re in your late teens or early 20s.”
Cecchetto reminisced on the time he officiated international games and a scrimmage for the Toronto Raptors, all thanks to his 54-year referee journey.
If interested email Reanne Miller at millerreanne@gmail.com.
