One of the key initiatives detailed in BBNZ’s Officials Development Framework is the Referee Selection Panel (RSP), the purpose of which is to objectively and systematically evaluate and select referees and referee trainers for BBNZ national tournaments.
The RSP consists of four members with Ken Coulson ( National Leagues Manager), Lauren Fitzgerald-Love (BBNZ National Officials Developer), and two independent members. BBNZ recently sought expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced candidates.
Following an evaluation and interview process, we are pleased to announce that Te Kirikauri (TK) Pene (Rotorua) and Gavin Zimmerman (Canterbury) have been selected to hold these two independent panel positions for 2024.
TK and Gavin are outstanding additions to the panel, with its final composition rich in balance and diversity; including officiating knowledge and experience, understanding of officiating across all levels of basketball, age, gender, and cultural diversity, as well as geographical representation.
Gavin Zimmerman
Gavin boasts over 35 years of experience as a referee, trainer and evaluator, including 22 years at National League level – during which he was recognised with numerous play-off games and finals across both leagues.
Gavin has refereed at various age group tournaments throughout New Zealand and Australia, gaining his IWBF badge in 2006 and passing his FIBA badge three years later. His dedication and commitment has seen him referee at IWBF and FIBA tournaments across the globe. He was the 2018 recipient of the Ian Goodwin Services to Officiating Award, retiring that same year from the top-level after having refereed 290 games in the NBL.
Gavin’s passion for officiating persists; he remains an active referee in Canterbury, contributing also as a referee trainer at National tournaments and as an evaluator for both men’s and women’s National Leagues.
Te Kirikauri (TK) Pene
Te Kirikauri is the referee co-ordinator for Rotorua Basketball Association, working successfully to develop a local pool of referees.
By extension, as both a referee and referee trainer TK acts as the point person for referee and referee training in the greater mid-north region. Coming from a basketball-centric family, TK started refereeing at the age of 12 and has refereed U13s to U23s at various levels, including regional and national tournaments in both 5×5 and 3×3 formats.
She is a passionate contributor in the officiating space from the community level all the way up, providing referee evaluation for both the NBL and the Tauihi League.
Reserve Members
In addition to the four member panel, BBNZ has appointed two reserve panel members in Campbell Marsters (Harbour) and John Bartlett (Canterbury). With their officiating knowledge, skills and expertise, and their combination of personal qualities and attributes, both would not have been out of place on the panel.
As reserve members, they represent depth of quality which will ensure seamless and successful continuity – should an unexpected change to the panel be required mid-term – and they help us invest in supporting development opportunities to build depth in our officiating leadership.
Next Steps & Association Engagement:
The RSP will shortly commence its duties of seeking expressions of interest for BBNZ’s 2024 national tournaments, the first of which is just around the corner – Secondary Schools 3×3 Nationals in April.
A broad and inclusive approach to EOIs will be taken in 2024, referees and referee trainers will be invited to express their interest directly. Associations will also have the opportunity to be involved in the EOI process by encouraging local referees to put their hand up for consideration and endorsing individuals for these roles. Process specifics will be announced soon.
Please join us in congratulating TK and Gavin on their appointment to the Referee Selection Panel for 2024, as well as Campbell and John in the important reserve roles. We look forward to increasing collaboration between BBNZ and Associations as this new inclusive and transparent approach to the review – and selection of officials for BBNZ national tournaments – is rolled out.
