ABA launches Blue Whistle Program

Alberta Basketball Association (ABA) has launched the Blue Whistle Program, a provincewide initiative encouraging respectful treatment of new basketball officials.

Through the Blue Whistle Program, more than 200 new officials across the province are receiving specially designed blue whistles emblazoned with the orange ABA logo.

When worn during games, the distinctive and easily identifiable whistle serves as a visual reminder to everyone in the gym of the program slogan, “When the whistle is blue, the official is new”.

“Just like we would give a rookie player room to grow and make mistakes, we have to afford this same level of grace to our officials,” says Dave Drabiuk, ABA Executive Director. “The Blue Whistle Program raises awareness with fans, parents, coaches, and players, letting them know that this is a rookie official.”

The Blue Whistle Program aims to eliminate aggressive behaviour towards officials, while promoting professionalism, fair play, and adherence to the rules of basketball.

“We need to address the environment around one of the key contributors to the game of basketball, the officials,” says Drabiuk, “We hope the program changes the culture of how coaches, players, parents and officials interact with each other, creating a safer and better sporting environment for everyone."

Partners of the Blue Whistle Program include the Alberta Basketball Officials Association (ABOA), Calgary Basketball Officials Association (CBOA), Edmonton Basketball Officials Association (EBOA), and Edmonton Youth Basketball Association (EYBA).