In Memoriam: Sharon Arnold - A Trailblazer And Legend Of The Game

It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the passing of an incredible individual, Sharon Arnold. Sharon’s service to our game was not merely that of a referee, but rather, a profound contributor to the basketball community and the future individuals who would follow her. She continued to mentor, coach and inspire countless up and coming referees, many who are refereeing currently in our leagues and competitions. 

A career spanning more than 50 years, Sharon devoted her life to officiating basketball across all forms of the game. Sharon started her journey as a junior at Wangaratta being mentored by Rod Bush, before moving to Kilsyth where she spent many years honing her own craft then taking the helm as advisor from the mid-1980s to last year. She refereed her first international game in 1995 and her last event as a FIBA referee in 2006. Her impact was truly global, and her legacy has had far reaching influence. At every changing of the guard or development in our sport, Sharon was leading from the front. Growing the game and everyone around her, Sharon pushed the boundaries of our sport.

Sharon was a trailblazer as the first female referee in the NBL and embraced the humble approach and good nature of her idols Mal Cooper, Bill Mildenhall and Ray Hunt. She was also the first female referee to receive a gold medal game at the Paralympics, charging through brick walls as she fought to prove to herself, and many others in our sport, she was capable of anything and no one would stop her.

“I got the gold medal game, and I was the only woman there which I think helped change a few attitudes.  It was a big achievement I thought.” - Sharon Arnold on the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Gold Medal Match.

With over 500 games in WNBL & SEABL combined, she truly deserves the reputation as a legend of our game.

She truly believed the most important things about being a referee is being humble and the ability to communicate. A role model for women, she was often blunt with her messages, but always kind and generous with her time. Many looked up to her, sought her guidance and often were asked ‘are you the next Sharon Arnold’? She was the reason so many got involved in our sport, making both the Victorian and broader basketball community better and stronger for it.

In recognition of her impact and influence on the referees in Victoria, she was awarded life membership of the Technical Officials Commission in 2007 and further cemented her significant achievements as an inductee to the Victorian Referee’s Wall of Fame in 2018.

This dedication and commitment to the development and welfare of our referees created new pathways for individuals in our sport and set the tone for all who followed. Sharon was never afraid to try new things and her growth mindset benefited our sport in many ways, but notably put officiating wheelchair basketball on the map in Australia.

Sharon has always encouraged our referees and our broader basketball community to not only be good at what you do, but to believe in your ability and fight for what you have earned. She spoke relentlessly about being resilient and always striving for more. Our referees will honour her this round across our Victorian leagues by wearing a black armband to acknowledge her incredible contribution to our game.

Sharon Arnold was the definition of a pioneer of her craft. She will be remembered for her enormous heart and the care she displayed for each of our young aspiring officials. Her legacy will be a north star of inspiration for those referees and officials who will follow in her footsteps. Her dedication and commitment to the sport and all those that had the privilege of knowing and working with her will be felt for generations to come.

Vale Sharon Arnold