GOLD COAST (Australia) - FIBA Oceania is making significant strides towards gender equality with the launch of the Rising Whistle Scholarship Program, a comprehensive initiative designed to empower women in basketball officiating.

The program aims to identify and nurture talented female referees, paving the way for them to achieve elite-level FIBA referee licenses by 2027, while underpinning Women in Basketball strategic objectives.

FIBA Executive Director - Oceania, Amanda Jenkins said that the program will further empower women in the region to not only contribute to basketball but to see basketball as an opportunity to grow and learn.

 “We are thrilled to have this program rolling out in the region,” Jenkins said.  “Rising Whistle goes beyond just technical skills, with participants gaining a strong foundation in officiating through online education modules, coupled with invaluable in-person training opportunities which will set a really good base for female officials to develop and progress.”

Natasha Ah-Hing (pictured middle above), a Rising Whistle Scholarship participant, and 2023 Pacific Games referee, highlighted the impact on her development that this program will have.

“This program is an incredible opportunity to refine my skills and gain valuable insights from established referees,” Ah-Hing said.

“By participating alongside other talented women in the program, I know my confidence will continue to grow, allowing me to reach my full potential as a referee.  Having a safe space to learn and share experiences with other female referees is invaluable.  These programs foster a sense of camaraderie and allow us to learn from shared experiences within a male-dominated field.”

The program's ambitious goal is to see 30 percent of officials at FIBA Oceania events become female by 2027.  To achieve this, Rising Whistle will focus on a two-pronged approach: identifying ten promising candidates, and providing them with the necessary training and mentorship to excel.

“My dream is to become the first Tongan FIBA licensed official. ”- Natasha Ah-Hing

“Ultimately, I aspire to officiate at FIBA tournaments around the world, proudly representing FIBA Oceania, Tonga, and New Zealand,” Ah-Hing said.

The Rising Whistle Scholarship Program is a significant step towards gender equality in basketball officiating within FIBA Oceania. By empowering aspiring female referees, the program paves the way for a more inclusive and diverse officiating pool at the elite level.