Referee criticism has 'crossed a line'

10 Nov 2026

NBL Chief Operating Officer Vince Crivelli says criticism of referees has “crossed over a line,” with Damon Lowery backing the League’s stand.

By

NBL.com.au

The NBL says the criticism of its referees has gone too far.

Commentary about the League’s officials from coaches and players has been simmering through the first eight rounds of the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season, and it came to a head in Round 8 with incidents both on and off the court.

The most notable came in Adelaide’s clash with Illawarra. Hawks big man Makur Maker was ejected, and he, teammate Will Hickey and Adelaide’s Nick Rakocevic were all sanctioned by the Game Review Panel.

Nick Rakocevic, Will Hickey and Makur Maker all received technical fouls on this play, with Maker also assessed a flagrant foul and ejected from the game. https://t.co/RxAxXLaQ1Z
— NBL (@NBL) November 7, 2026

After the game, Hawks coach Justin Tatum made negative comments about the officials.

Round 8 also saw Melbourne United star Cole Anthony sanctioned by Basketball Australia for his conduct concerning officiating.

At Monday’s media availability, NBL Chief Operating Officer and Head of Basketball Operations Vince Crivelli got on the front foot, saying the negativity towards the League’s referees had to stop.

“I feel like it probably has crossed over a line,” Crivelli said.

“These officials have dedicated their lives to mastering their craft, [and honestly] are doing a great job.

“It’s not helpful for the game here in Australia and New Zealand to have what I consider to be, at times, uninformed and negative commentary on that area of the game.

“We don’t sit here and say that they get it right 100 per cent of the time. Nobody does. It’s fair to say we’re taking a stand for all levels of the game.”

Crivelli’s sentiment was echoed by 2001 NBL champion Damon Lowery on Monday’s episode of NBL Overtime.

“The referees don’t have a problem,” he said.

“It’s the problem with the players and the coaches expecting perfection. You’re expecting this magical thing called consistency.

“You guys talk about dealing with adversity. Adversity shows up; you can’t handle it. You say let’s control the controllables, then you want to control the uncontrollables.

“However the game presents, coach that. You’re giving more energy to the referees than your defence. Get back on defence. Box out.”

Round 9 tips off on Wednesday night, when South East Melbourne host Illawarra in an Ignite Cup fixture from 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.