Three friends will create history this weekend when they become the first all-female technical official crew from country Victoria to referee a WNBL game.
Shannon Jennings, Tayla Flint and Bianca Vernon will take to the court together in a local Victorian showdown, Bendigo Spirit v Southside Flyers this weekend (February 11) at Geelong Arena.
A strong bond has been formed throughout their respective referee journeys, and together they provide support that helps to keep each other motivated. The Technical Officials community is very close knit, so even though the three referees are from different parts of Victoria, (Jennings is from Geelong, Flint is from Bendigo and Vernon the Southern Peninsula region) they have had similar experiences that they share.
Basketball Victoria General Manager of Technical Officials - Jo Chu, said she is elated to witness history in the making.
“It’s wonderful to see three good friends, each from different areas of the Victorian Country landscape, take charge of a WNBL game. From officiating tournaments like the Junior Country Champs and forming life-long connections, they have supported each other throughout their careers and can now do so on the National stage, together. Not only are they great referees but incredible people and outstanding role models for female officials, I’m very excited to watch them go to work and do an amazing job.”
While the three women all come for varied backgrounds with slightly different journeys, their goals have been the same, reach the epitome of officiating at the national level.
The rising star, Vernon, has been making her name in the basketball community, as she is part of both the WNBL and NBL development program, which will help elevate her career and onto potential international success.
Jennings began her career at only 12 years old with her dream of officiating a SEABL (now NBL1 South) at only 21 years old, she will achieve her next dream of refereeing a WNBL game this week, with her lifelong ambition of receiving her FIBA Referee License, not far off.
While Flint has reached her goal of obtaining her FIBA Referee Licence and is one of the most experienced and sought after country officials in Victoria, she is passionate about helping to develop her peers to ensure they all feel included and supported on and off the court.
Photo credit: Michelle Couling photography
All three women agree that they wouldn’t be able to achieve what they have if it wasn’t for the support they receive from the Victorian basketball community, each other and their peers.
They want to encourage more women to become referees to be a part of our great game and help develop the welcoming and inclusive environment for all in our community.
There are still some tickets available to Saturday night's game at Geelong Arena.
*Photos in this article are credited to Michelle Couling Photography*
