BWB is proud to highlight the latest example of Officials education made possible by the Inspire a Generation programme.

Funding by IAG allowed Jake Horowitz and Luke Rockett to undergo their Level 2 BWB Referee qualification, which involved online study, online conversion course meetings, a rules test, and a practical session in wheelchairs led by BWB tutor and IWBF referee Ben Wood.

Following the practical session, Jake and Luke, assisted by BWB referee Emma Tomkinson, shared refereeing duties during the Sheffield Steelers vs North East Warriors Division 3 North game.

Ben Wood commented:

“Luke & Jake worked hard over the week. They refereed 2 quarters each alongside Emma, and they both looked very comfortable on the court. They recognised many of the wheelchair-specific contacts we discussed during their training, which is often the trickiest aspect for referees to learn when converting from the running game.

I can’t stress how important it is to get referee candidates on the court quickly after completing their theory work so they can apply their new learning to in-game situations. Being able to provide instant on-court feedback using our radio earpieces also ensured their progress was sustained throughout the game, giving them a solid foundation on which to build for the future. 

Finally, thank you to both the Sheffield Steelers and North East Warriors for their support in qualifying these 2 new referees, but especially to Kev Hayes for opening up the gym early on a Sunday so the candidates could complete their training.”

If you are interested in becoming a BWB official, please head to the following page to register your interest: Join the Family – Become an Official – British Wheelchair Basketball