The CBA is proud to announce the appointment of Karin Berrysmith assisting Scott Kitto and our CBA Team in the Referee space.
Karin brings a CV that is world class with experience in Basketball at all levels including FIBA appointments in Fiji, Nouméa, and the Philippines. Karin’s experience includes senior officiating and referee development roles with Basketball Victoria Country, ACT Basketball Inc., Wodonga and Albury Basketball, and previously with the Canterbury Basketball Association.
Having returned to New Zealand after 18 years in Australia, Karin brings a perspective shaped by lifelong involvement in the game as a player, coach, administrator, and referee up to WNBL level. That breadth allows Karin to see officiating not only as a technical discipline, but as a vital part of the integrity and long-term growth of Basketball in Canterbury and New Zealand.
We welcome Karin’s experience to our team as we focus on providing trained referees to every game and developing a pathway for our refs to grow and develop inside our fantastic sport.
Karin comments: “I am a basketball officiating tragic with decades of experience across local, regional, national, and international basketball in both New Zealand and Australia. My work has centred on developing referees, strengthening pathways, leading education programmes, and helping organisations build the systems officials need to succeed.”
“I am excited about working with the CBA team as the sport continues to grow in Canterbury and New Zealand”
The CBA is very fortunate to have someone of the depth of experience that Karin brings to the court and already we are working on new programs that have proven successful overseas like the Return to Whistle (RTW), and other adult referee entry initiatives designed to strengthen participation, retention, and confidence. New initiatives will include Women With a Whistle, Boys Day Out, as well as new ideas to promote and celebrate this important part of our game.
We welcome Karin back to Christchurch and are excited about what the future brings in this key element of our sport that is growing so fast.
