Basketball Wales Referee Emily Gilroy Selected for Prestigious FIBA European 20th Anniversary Women’s Basketball Summit

Basketball Wales is delighted to congratulate Emily Gilroy, who was nominated by Basketball Wales to attend the 2026 FIBA European Women’s Basketball Summit in Postojna, Slovenia, held from 7–11 July 2026.

The annual FIBA European Women’s Basketball Summit is one of Europe’s premier development programmes for aspiring female coaches and referees. Organised by FIBA Europe in partnership with the Slovenian Basketball Federation, the Summit forms a key part of FIBA’s Women in Basketball strategy, providing participants with world-class education, practical officiating experience, mentorship and invaluable networking opportunities with fellow officials and instructors from across Europe.

Throughout the week, Emily joined female referees from across the continent in an intensive programme combining classroom learning, on-court officiating, physical preparation and performance analysis. Sessions covered three-person officiating mechanics, game management, rules interpretation, communication, pre-game preparation, scouting, processing the play, reporting techniques and referee protocols. Participants also officiated youth tournament games, receiving detailed feedback from experienced FIBA referee instructors after every performance.

Emily embraced every opportunity the Summit offered. One of the early highlights came when she was selected as Crew Chief during a pre-game role-play exercise, confidently leading her group through their preparation before presenting to the entire referee cohort.

Her performances on court also received excellent feedback throughout the week. During her first game as Crew Chief, instructors praised her strong verbal communication, mechanics and use of Individual Officiating Techniques (IOTs).

As the week progressed, Emily continued to impress. While officiating another closely contested game, instructors commended her calm and respectful communication with coaches, her confident management of the bench and her professionalism in supporting an emotional player following the final buzzer. Her ability to combine empathy with effective game management reflected the qualities expected of officials operating at the highest levels.

Emily also took on a leadership role away from the court. On the final full day of the Summit, fellow participants asked her to lead the morning activation session thanks to her background as a gym and fitness instructor. She designed and delivered the group’s workout, balancing preparation for the day’s officiating with an enjoyable and engaging session for her fellow referees.

The week concluded with the Summit’s 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner, attended by leading figures from FIBA Europe, celebrating two decades of developing female basketball talent while providing participants with valuable opportunities to build international connections that will support their future careers in officiating.

Basketball Wales Chief Operating Officer and FIBA International Referee Gavin Williams praised Emily’s selection and development:

“We are incredibly proud of Emily for representing Basketball Wales, alongside the other Home Countries of Scotland and England, at this prestigious FIBA Europe event. Over recent years, Emily has progressed through the Basketball Wales officiating pathway, establishing herself as one of our leading referees.

Last season she stepped up to officiate her first professional Super League Basketball (SLB) Women’s fixture, an opportunity she embraced and performed exceptionally well in. Emily was also selected to officiate at the Basketball England Junior Final Fours, where she was appointed to the Under-16 Boys’ Final — recognition of the progress she continues to make as an official.

This opportunity to attend the FIBA Europe Women’s Basketball Summit will, I hope, inspire Emily to continue pushing herself in her referee development. I have no doubt that, with the hard work, commitment and determination she has consistently shown, she has every opportunity to become Wales’ first female FIBA International Referee.”

Basketball Wales is incredibly proud of Emily’s achievement and her commitment to continuous development. Her selection for the FIBA European Women’s Basketball Summit recognises both her dedication to officiating and her potential to continue progressing within the international game.

We congratulate Emily on representing Basketball Wales with distinction and look forward to following the next stage of her refereeing journey.

If you have been inspired by Emily’s story and want to start your refereeing journey click the link below to learn more about our referee pathway and start your officiting journey today!

https://basketball.wales/get-involved/become-a-basketball-official/referee/