FAQ
VICTORIAN BASKETBALL STATISTICIANS
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Basketball Statistics?
- Who is a Basketball Statistician?
- Why become a Basketball Statistician?
- Do Basketball Statisticians get paid?
- What competitions do Basketball Statisticians officiate at?
- How do I become a Basketball Statistician?
- Where can I find out more information?
WHAT ARE BASKETBALL STATISTICS?
Basketball statistics are generated by the collection and recording of all actions that occur during a basketball game. These actions can be made by the individual player and/or the team, and include shots attempted and made, rebounds, fouls, blocks, steals, turnovers and the minutes played by each player. For most elite Leagues in Australia, basketball statistics are recorded on a specialised computer program, "LiveStats".The summary reports of the statistics allow the coach to assess his or her team's performance and each individual player. The media will also use the game statistics to write their reports.
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)
§ Big V
Games for all leagues may be played on Friday evenings, Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. The season for NBL and WNBL competition is from September to February, whilst SEABL and Big V competitions runs from March to August.
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. You can view the software via the SportingPulse website (http://www.fibaorganizer.com/) and following the prompts to download a fully operational version.
After you have achieved your 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.
If you would like to found out more information about beginner statistician courses, e-mail vicstats@y7mail.com.
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION?
If you have any further questions, please contact us at vicstats@y7mail.com.
