NBL CEO's "zero tolerance" for ref abuse

Abuse of referees in the NBL will not be tolerated according to league CEO David Stevenson, who has cited the influence on the next generation as a key reason to ensure fair and proper treatment of the league’s on-court officials. 

Since joining the organisation in July, Stevenson has attended games in each state (and New Zealand), and believes mistreatment of referees is a recurring theme in the competition.

“This is something I feel very strongly about and I want to be clear that I will have zero tolerance for the abuse of referees, full stop,” Stevenson told News Corp.

“All of our community players look at these interactions, and as soon as they see those interations that are disrespectful or abusive, that gives people in community basketball permission to say ‘well, that’s ok. That’s the way you interact with referees’, and that’s not ok.

“I want to make sure they’re fully supported and the message is clear for everyone. Whether it be fans, players, coaches, the clubs – our referees are sacrosanct and I won’t tolerate any abuse.”

For the full story head to >> NBL boss David Stevenson opens up on ref abuse, expansion, a ‘festival of basketball’ and the potential for a trade period.