Rob Williams, a familiar face to all UK basketball players, will realise a life long dream later this month having being selected to referee at the FIMBA World Championships in Argentina.
The ex Wales u19 international player turned to refereeing in 1980 alongside his NBL playing career, taking charge of the NBL National Junior Cup final in just his second season. Over a career spanning more than 25 years, Rob has covered over 600 BBL and NBL games, including 10 National finals across age groups and genders as well as 9 National finals in the English Schools competitions and the Oxford vs Cambridge varsity games. A further 1,000 local and regional games have also been blessed to have Rob take charge.
Since 2014, Rob has been a mainstay for Masters Basketball, overseeing 8 GB Masters tournaments as well as overseas tournaments, but the FIMBA World Championships has always been on Rob’s list.
I feel blessed to have a fantastic international network of referee colleagues, many who have also become good friends. I am truly honoured to fulfil an ambition to become part of the FIMBA officiating family
Rob Williams – FIMBA GB Referee
Congratulations Rob from everyone at FIMBA GB and the wider basketball community. Enjoy this incredible experience.
#thegameneverstops
Mar del Plata in Argentina 2023 was a huge fun adventure, particularly as I was the only referee from GB, one of only 4 from Europe, with the vast majority of teams coming from South America .
This has since opened the door for me and some of my referee friends and colleagues to officiate at the FIMBA European Championships in Pesaro in 2024, and more recently, (a second for me) the FIMBA World Chmpionships in Ticino in Switzerland in 2025.
My mantra- you don’t stop playing, you get old- you get old when you stop playing.
I have a huge amount to thank FIMBA GB for opening up these amazing opportunities so far into my life.