Victorian Basketball Statisticians Association

The Victorian Basketball Statisticians Association is always looking for willing volunteers and staff.

Who is a Basketball Statistician?
A Basketball Statistician is a game official who is responsible for recording all actions for both teams during a game.  There are at least 2 Statisticians officiating at each game – one Statistician (the Caller) calls all the actions on court to the second Statistician (the Computer Operator), who inputs these actions into the computer.  A third Statistician may also be present, known as the “Spotter” and their role is to clarify or pick up missed actions by the Caller.

Statisticians are generally affiliated with a club and are required to officiate at all home games.  However, it is not unusual for some statisticians to officiate for more than one club throughout the season.

Why become a Statistician?
It’s fun.
It’s a great way to be involved in basketball outside of coaching, playing and refereeing.
Learn and appreciate more about the game of basketball.
Meet new people with similar interests.
It’s not a time consuming position as there are no other duties to perform outside of the actual game.
You do not need to provide any equipment.
There is the opportunity to progress to the international level of competition.  At the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympics Games, 10 Victorian Statisticians were chosen to officiate at the highest level of basketball in the world.  Several Victorian Statisticians also participated at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006.

Do Statisticians get paid?
This depends on the association.  Statisticians traditionally officiated on a volunteer basis, however some associations do now pay a nominal fee to their statisticians.

What competitions do Statisticians officiate at?
Statisticians officiate at most senior competitions all around Australia.  Depending on their level of accreditation, Victorian statisticians have the opportunity to officiate at the following competitions;
National Basketball League (NBL)
Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL)
National Wheelchair Basketball League (NWBL)
South-East Australian Basketball League (SEABL)
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As well, Statisticians are often required at various tournaments throughout Victoria and across Australia, such as the Pre-Season NBL and WNBL Tournaments, National Under Age Championships and State Club Championships.

More experienced statisticians also officiate at international games and tournaments.  During 5-16 January 2005, Victorian statisticians were involved in the Deaflympics.  In March 2006, several Victorian statisticians had the exciting opportunity to officiate the Commonwealth Games held in Melbourne and regional venues.

How do I become a Statistician?
To become a statistician, you must be 14 years or older and have a basic knowledge of basketball.  Some experience with computers is also an advantage.

Prospective Statisticians are required to complete an eight hour Statistician’s Course incorporating “Level 1 Statistician” accreditation and learning to use the computerised basketball statistics program.

After you have achieved you Level 1 and Computer Course accreditation, and practiced officiating at a few games, you are ready to begin your new position as a Basketball Statistician.  Your accreditation is recognised Australia wide.

Where can I find out more information?
If you have any further questions, please contact us at vicstats@y7mail.com or visit the VBSA website: www.bvstatistician.basketball.net.au