NUKU’ALOFA (Tonga) - Natasha Ah-Hing has become the first Tongan to be awarded a FIBA referee license, an achievement that echoes far beyond the court. Her inclusion in the 2025–2027 cohort of FIBA Game Officials marks a powerful stride for gender equity, cultural representation, and grassroots development across the Oceania region.
“To be able to represent my Tongan heritage, my grandparents and my family on the global stage is a huge honour and privilege I don't take lightly,” Ah-Hing said. “It’s a huge, huge privilege to hold this license.”
Her journey reflects the very essence of FIBA’s Women in Basketball strategic priority, to elevate female participation, leadership, and visibility in all areas of the game. With 208 women now holding FIBA licenses, Natasha’s achievement adds depth to a growing movement that champions diversity and inclusion in officiating.
Based in New Zealand, Natasha’s path to licensing wasn’t paved through professional leagues or high-profile tournaments. Instead, she honed her craft in the vibrant, unpredictable world of grassroots basketball.
“From mini-ball to high school leagues, to the oh-so-delightful social men's and women's leagues … it's been the best place to practice game management, people management and trying to read the game as unstructured as it is,” Ah-Hing reflects.
Her story is a testament to the power of community-level sport as a training ground for excellence. Ah-Hing has seized every chance offered by FIBA in Oceania, from the Pacific Games in 2019 and 2023 to regional competitions and successfully took part in the inaugural FIBA Rising Whistle Program in 2024, absorbing knowledge and refining her skills with tenacity and heart.
Officiating at the FIBA U16 Women’s Asia Cup – Division B in Malaysia, her first assignment outside the Oceania region, Natasha admits to feeling nervous but determined beforehand.
“From Oceania to Asia is a big, big step … but I’ve been training hard for this,” Ah-Hing said. “I’m most excited to keep learning and meet more amazing referees.”
Her reflections reveal the emotional and psychological hurdles many women face in sport, especially in roles that are often undervalued or misunderstood.
“No one takes refereeing seriously back at home, but FIBA has taught me it really is a big deal … just because some people don't believe in you, doesn't mean someone else won't!”
Ah-Hings candidness about body image, self-doubt, and external criticism underscores the importance of supportive networks and mentorship. Her advice to aspiring referees is bold and empowering:
Take yourself seriously … work with what you have, train hard and take no crap from anyone - Ah-Hing encourages.
Ah-Hing joins an impressive cohort of officials from Australia, New Zealand, Guam, New Caledonia, and Tahiti, each contributing to a more inclusive and representative officiating landscape.
Her gratitude is deeply rooted in faith, family, and the mentors who believed in her when others didn’t. From her late supporters Steve Hettig and Sarah-Jane Enari to her referee mentor Jilly Harris, Natasha’s journey is stitched together by love, resilience, and community.
As FIBA continues to build structured support for referee development and gender inclusion, stories like Ah-Hing’s light the way forward. She’s not just standing on business; she’s standing for every girl who dreams of making the game her own.