Indigenous Referee Shirt Design Announced For 2023 NBL1 East

Starting this week, NBL1 East referees will wear a specially designed Indigenous jersey representing their state as other conferences follow suit over the upcoming months.

During the 2022 season, NBL1 introduced a ‘First Nations’ round and unveiled a First Nations Artwork that incorporated many facets of the game.

The NBL’s First Persons and Multicultural Liaison, and proud Wiradjuri woman from central New South Wales (Leeton and Wagga Wagga), Janelle McQueen, created the artwork below.

New South Wales (Light Blue) is best known for its ports and beaches but also included the open plans, main river systems and mountain ranges in this painting.

Referees in NBL1 East will sport a specifically designed apparel shirt using the artwork representing NSW created by McQueen with Basketball NSW Apparel Partner Soul Sports manufacturing the pieces. 

Basketball NSW, Head of Technical Officials, Steve Clark said he was pleased to see this vital piece of Australian history incorporated for referees. 

“We often forget about our referees unless they are getting criticism and I feel it is positive for our referees to be a part of the positive direction our game is going in,” said Clark.

“Our referee community is very tight-knit and from my experience, they are all excited to highlight the First Nations players and officials across the state and their role in basketball.”

As part of the announcement, Basketball NSW would also like to share with the community the story behind the numbering system that has been added to the backs of the referee shirts.

The numbering system symbolises a referee being welcomed and earning a spot on the NBL1 East Panel. The number will belong to the referee for life. We use these numbers to highlight each referee’s place within the league and within our basketball history.

The 2023 NBL1 East First Nations Round will take place on the 5-9th July. 

The Story behind the artwork CLICK HERE.