MIES (Switzerland) – The sixth FIBA Game Officials Licensing (GOL) cycle for 2027-2029 is now underway, with registration for referee and commissioner candidates opening on October 15, 2026. The registration period will run until March 31, 2027, during which candidates must complete the registration, testing and verification process.
It is expected that around 1000 referee and 500 commissioner applications will be submitted by National Federations worldwide for this cycle.
After the final phase, FIBA will publish the list of licensed Game Officials by June 15, 2027. The new Licensed Period 2027-2029 will start on September 1, 2027.
FIBA's GOL program is designed to build and promote excellence in refereeing. The two-year cycle allows for regular inventory and quality control and gives new opportunities for up-and-coming referees and National Federations.
As the sixth GOL cycle gets underway for 2027-29, the program continues to provide a strong framework for FIBA and National Federations to plan ahead, monitor development and support the long-term progression of game officials. For both existing and aspiring FIBA referees, the cycle offers an opportunity to update their knowledge of the rules and officiating standards, while completing the required physical, medical and educational assessments to remain ready for the international stage.
Building on the positive outcomes of previous GOL cycles, which have seen a continued increase in the number of female referee candidates and approved licenses, FIBA remains committed to advancing women in officiating and the long-term development of the referee pathway.
Through dedicated license allocations for female candidates, the inclusion of additional women's competitions within the allocation criteria, and incentives designed to encourage National Federations to identify, develop and nominate younger referee candidates, the GOL program continues to support FIBA's strategic Women in Basketball priority.
These measures are complemented by initiatives aimed at retaining female referees throughout their officiating careers, such as the FIBA Referee Maternity Plan, creating more opportunities for women to enter, progress and remain within the refereeing pathway.
Successful referee candidates are awarded FIBA licenses in the categories of Black, Green and White, which entitle referees to officiate international games for women, men and juniors on global, continental, regional and sub-regional levels. There are no categories for commissioner licenses.
The GOL system has been successfully implemented for five periods already and has yielded around 800 international referees and 300 commissioners in each cycle.
For more information and the full list of documents for the 2027-2029 cycle, click here or get in touch with FIBA Referee Operations at GOL@fiba.basketball.
FIBA