This is the first time for many years that a Goulburn Basketball Association referee has been given the honour of refereeing at this prestigious championships event, but to have two young women selected is thought to be a first.

Kaitlyn and Rylee are both extremely dedicated as referees and strive to constantly improve their skills and knowledge of the sport, its rules and the application of those rules.

 They have both refereed at state cup State Championships and development league level as well as the Combined Catholic Colleges Championships Combined High School championships and Australian Junior Country Championships as well as local and regional competition level.

Both have earned their Advanced Association officials badge and are part of the NSW and Australian referees development program.

 Kaitlyn Neate said they have had many mentors and received instruction from a host of experienced referees coaches including former National League referees.

 “Refereeing gives us the best viewpoint of a game and every game is different,” Kaitlyn said. “Refereeing has allowed us to make friends all over the country and with referees and players from New Zealand too.

 “Refereeing has given us confidence that we would not obtain from being a player. When we step onto the court we are in charge and we learn how to command respect from the players and coaches.

“ It is better than having a front row seat but we have to be prepared to take criticism and a certain level of dissent.

“But we do not have to put up with abuse and can act against those who carry on.

‘Rylee said it was a matter of respect and by their actions they strive to earn respect.

“We are very receptive to constructive criticism and guidance from our referee coaches as this gives us an opportunity to learn and improve,” Rylee said. “There are not many girls refereeing at our level and we both are hoping to referee at WNBL or even international level.

 “We are expecting the Schools Championships to be very intense this week and are hoping to be selected,  on our performance, for the finals games on Friday.”

Both the girls have already been selected for the Australian Junior Country Championships in Albury in January and are looking forward to catching up with some of the interstate and New Zealand friends they have made when they refereed there in January this year.

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