ABA League opens application process for three key independent officiating and disciplinary positions

Tuesday, 28. July 2026 at 08:35

The ABA League has officially launched the application process for three senior independent positions within its competition system: President of the Refereeing Commission, Commissioner for Referee and Delegate Appointments, and Disciplinary Judge. 

ABA League j.t.d. logo

APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF ABA LEAGUE DISCIPLINARY JUDGE

Join one of the most prestigious international basketball competitions in Europe.

ABA LEAGUE j.t.d., with its registered office at Prilaz Ivana Visina 7, Zagreb, Croatia (hereinafter: the "ABA League"), is the company responsible for organizing international basketball competitions and is the exclusive organizer and holder of all related rights. For more than two decades, the ABA League has been one of the most recognizable sporting competitions in the region and an important platform for the development of professional basketball, bringing together leading clubs, players, referees, and sports professionals.

With the aim of further strengthening legal certainty, protecting the integrity of the competition, and ensuring the consistent application of the ABA League's internal regulations, the ABA League invites qualified and interested candidates to apply for the position of:

ABA LEAGUE DISCIPLINARY JUDGE

We are seeking a distinguished legal professional who, through their experience, independence, professional integrity, and authority, will ensure the lawful, impartial, and efficient conduct of disciplinary proceedings while contributing to the protection of the integrity and reputation of the ABA League competition.

Responsibilities

The Disciplinary Judge independently conducts disciplinary proceedings for violations prescribed by the ABA League's internal regulations and renders first-instance decisions regarding liability and the imposition of disciplinary measures and sanctions, while safeguarding the integrity of the competition and adhering to the principles of fairness, proportionality, and equal treatment of all participants.

Within the scope of their authority, the Disciplinary Judge shall establish the relevant facts, conduct evidentiary proceedings, decide on provisional measures where necessary to protect the regularity of the competition, interpret and apply the ABA League's disciplinary regulations, and ensure that disciplinary proceedings are conducted efficiently, impartially, and without undue delay.

Qualifications

Candidates are expected to possess:

  • A university degree in law.
  • At least five (5) years of professional experience following the bar examination (or equivalent professional legal qualification) as a judge, attorney-at-law, public prosecutor, notary public, or in another comparable legal profession.
  • Experience in conducting judicial, arbitral, or disciplinary proceedings.
  • Preference will be given to candidates with experience in sports law, arbitration law, or disciplinary proceedings within sports organizations.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English.
  • A high level of professional integrity, impartiality, independence, and responsibility in decision-making.
  • Strong analytical skills and excellent legal drafting and reasoning abilities.
  • The ability to make timely decisions in matters requiring urgent action.

The candidate must be fully independent in performing their duties and must not currently represent, advise, perform, or, within the past three (3) years, have performed any function or provided legal or other professional services to clubs participating in ABA League competitions or any other competitions organized by the ABA League, or to their affiliated persons or entities. The candidate must also not be subject to any circumstances that could call into question their independence, impartiality, or objectivity in performing the duties of the Disciplinary Judge.

Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV);
  • Cover letter;
  • A certificate issued by the competent court confirming that no criminal proceedings are pending against the applicant (issued no more than six months prior to the application date).

The ABA League reserves the right to request additional documentation or clarifications during the selection process in order to verify the information and qualifications stated in the application.

Terms of Engagement

The selected candidate will enter into a one-year service agreement with the ABA League.

Upon expiration of the agreement, the cooperation may be renewed for additional one-year terms, up to a maximum total duration of three (3) years, subject to the ABA League's decision and the mutual interest of both parties.

The position is performed exclusively on the basis of a contractual engagement and does not constitute employment.

Selection Process

Interested candidates should submit their application, together with all required documentation, no later than 7 August 2026 at 5:00 p.m. (CET) to:

headoffice@aba-liga.com

Following the review of applications, the ABA League may conduct one or more rounds of interviews and, where necessary, request additional documentation or clarifications.

Prior to making its final decision, the ABA League reserves the right to verify the information provided in the application and to request references or other information relevant to assessing the candidate's professional integrity and qualifications.

The final decision on the appointment will be made by the ABA League Assembly no later than 15 August 2026, after which the selected candidate will be invited to conclude a service agreement.

Personal Data Protection

By submitting an application, the candidate confirms that they are aware of and consent to the ABA League processing their personal data solely for the purposes of conducting this selection process, in accordance with the applicable personal data protection regulations.

Final Provisions

The ABA League reserves the right, at its sole discretion and without the obligation to provide reasons, to amend or terminate this selection process at any time, extend the application deadline, refrain from selecting any candidate, withdraw from the appointment process, or discontinue negotiations with any candidate, without incurring any obligation or liability towards applicants.

The submission of an application does not create any right to conclude a contract with the ABA League, nor does it oblige the ABA League to appoint any candidate.

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APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF COMMISSIONER FOR REFEREE AND DELEGATE APPOINTMENTS OF THE ABA LEAGUE

Join one of Europe's leading international basketball competitions.

ABA LEAGUE j.t.d., with its registered office at Prilaz Ivana Visina 7, Zagreb, Croatia (hereinafter: the "ABA League"), is the company responsible for organizing international basketball competitions and is the exclusive organizer and holder of all associated commercial and competition rights. For more than two decades, the ABA League has been one of the region's premier basketball competitions and a key platform for the development of professional basketball, bringing together leading clubs, players, referees and basketball professionals.

In order to further strengthen the quality of the competition and continue the development of its officiating programme, the ABA League invites qualified and experienced candidates to apply for the position of:

COMMISSIONER FOR REFEREE AND DELEGATE APPOINTMENTS

The ABA League is seeking an experienced basketball officiating professional who will be responsible for the appointment of referees and delegates, ensuring the highest standards of officiating, fairness and integrity throughout all ABA League competitions.

Key Responsibilities

The Commissioner for Referee and Delegate Appointments is responsible for preparing referee lists and independently planning and determining the appointments of referees and game delegates for all ABA League competitions, taking into account professional merit, referee development, competition requirements and the overall integrity of the competition.

The Commissioner shall independently make decisions regarding referee and delegate appointments while maintaining regular professional cooperation with the competent ABA League bodies on matters relating to the development of the officiating programme and competition planning.

The quality and credibility of referee appointments directly affect the integrity of the competition and the confidence placed in the ABA League by its clubs, referees, delegates and the wider basketball community.

Qualifications

Candidates should possess:

  • Significant experience in basketball officiating.
  • Demonstrated experience in referee appointments and/or the organization of basketball competitions.
  • Excellent command of spoken and written English.
  • Proven professional integrity, impartiality and sound judgment.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and make timely decisions.
  • The ability to maintain effective communication and cooperation with referees, delegates, clubs and ABA League bodies throughout the competition season.
  • A proven ability to perform under pressure, exercise discretion and make objective decisions in demanding situations.

Candidates must be independent and free from any actual or potential conflict of interest. They must not own, be employed by, serve as a member of, or otherwise be involved with any sports organization or other entity whose interests could compromise their independence, impartiality or ability to perform the duties of the Commissioner.

What We Offer

  • A senior professional position within one of Europe's leading regional basketball competitions.
  • The opportunity to work in an international basketball environment alongside the region's leading clubs and officials.
  • A high degree of professional autonomy and responsibility.
  • The opportunity to contribute directly to the further development of officiating standards and the integrity of the ABA League.

Application Documents

Applicants are required to submit:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV);
  • Cover Letter;
  • A certificate issued by the competent court confirming that no criminal proceedings are pending against the applicant (issued no more than six months prior to the application deadline).

The ABA League reserves the right to request additional documentation or clarification during the selection process for the purpose of verifying the information provided in the application.

Terms of Engagement

The successful candidate will enter into a Service Agreement with the ABA League for an initial term of one (1) year.

Upon expiry of the initial term, the agreement may be renewed for successive one-year periods, up to a maximum total term of three (3) years, subject to the decision of the ABA League and the mutual agreement of the parties.

This position is performed exclusively on the basis of a contractual engagement and does not constitute employment.

Selection Process

Applications, together with all required supporting documentation, must be submitted no later than 7 August 2026 at 5:00 p.m. (CET) via email to:

headoffice@aba-liga.com

Following the review of applications, the ABA League may conduct one or more rounds of interviews and, where appropriate, request additional information or supporting documentation.

Prior to making a final appointment, the ABA League reserves the right to verify the information provided by candidates and to obtain references or other information relevant to the assessment of their professional qualifications and integrity.

Particular consideration will be given to candidates with experience in international competitions, referee appointment procedures, knowledge of international officiating standards, and outstanding organizational and communication skills.

The final appointment shall be made by the ABA League Assembly no later than 15 August 2026, following which a Service Agreement will be concluded with the successful candidate.

Personal Data Protection

By submitting an application, candidates acknowledge and consent to the ABA League processing their personal data solely for the purposes of conducting this selection procedure, in accordance with the applicable personal data protection legislation.

Final Provisions

The ABA League reserves the right, at its sole discretion and without providing reasons, to amend, suspend or terminate this selection procedure at any time, extend the application deadline, decide not to appoint any candidate, withdraw from the appointment process, or discontinue negotiations with any candidate without incurring any liability towards applicants.

Submission of an application does not create any entitlement to appointment or to the conclusion of a Service Agreement, nor does it oblige the ABA League to appoint any candidate.

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CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF PRESIDENT OF THE ABA LEAGUE REFEREEING COMMISSION

Join one of Europe's leading international basketball competitions.

ABA LEAGUE j.t.d., with its registered office at Prilaz Ivana Visina 7, Zagreb, Croatia (hereinafter: the "ABA League"), is the company responsible for organizing international basketball competitions and is the exclusive organizer and holder of all associated commercial and competition rights. For more than two decades, the ABA League has been one of the region's premier basketball competitions and a key platform for the development of professional basketball, bringing together leading clubs, players, referees and basketball professionals.

In order to further enhance the quality of officiating and continue the development of the League's refereeing programme, the ABA League invites qualified and experienced candidates to apply for the position of:

PRESIDENT OF THE ABA LEAGUE REFEREEING COMMISSION

The ABA League is seeking a distinguished basketball officiating professional who, through their expertise, experience, leadership and professional integrity, will lead the further development of the League's refereeing programme while safeguarding the highest standards of quality, professionalism and impartiality.

Key Responsibilities

The President of the Refereeing Commission shall lead and oversee the work of the ABA League Refereeing Commission and be responsible for the professional management and continuous development of the League's refereeing programme. This includes the appointment of referee instructors, monitoring and evaluating officiating performances, organizing the education and professional development of referees and instructors, and providing expert recommendations for the continued development of the ABA League refereeing system.

Within the scope of their responsibilities, the President shall convene and chair meetings of the Refereeing Commission, coordinate the preparation of expert officiating assessments, cooperate closely with the ABA League Sports Director, the Commissioner for Referee and Delegate Appointments and other competent ABA League bodies, organize mandatory educational seminars, and submit regular reports on the work of the Refereeing Commission.

Qualifications

Candidates should possess:

  • Significant experience in basketball officiating.
  • Demonstrated experience within refereeing bodies, referee education and development programmes, or the management of refereeing organizations.
  • Excellent command of spoken and written English.
  • Proven professional integrity, impartiality and sound judgment.
  • Outstanding organizational, communication and leadership skills.
  • The ability to strategically plan and further develop a modern refereeing programme.
  • The ability to maintain effective cooperation and communication with referees, referee instructors, clubs and ABA League bodies throughout the competition season.

Candidates must be independent and free from any actual or potential conflict of interest. They must not own, be employed by, serve as a member of, or otherwise be involved with any sports organization or other entity whose interests could compromise their independence, impartiality or ability to perform the duties of the President of the Refereeing Commission.

Application Documents

Applicants are required to submit:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV);
  • Cover Letter;
  • A certificate issued by the competent court confirming that no criminal proceedings are pending against the applicant (issued no more than six months prior to the application deadline).

The ABA League reserves the right to request additional documentation or clarification during the selection process for the purpose of verifying the information provided in the application.

Terms of Engagement

The successful candidate will enter into a Service Agreement with the ABA League for an initial term of one (1) year.

Upon expiry of the initial term, the agreement may be renewed for successive one-year periods, up to a maximum total term of three (3) years, subject to the decision of the ABA League and the mutual agreement of the parties.

This position is performed exclusively on the basis of a contractual engagement and does not constitute employment.

Selection Process

Applications, together with all required supporting documentation, must be submitted no later than 7 August 2026 at 5:00 p.m. (CET) via email to:

headoffice@aba-liga.com

Following the review of applications, the ABA League may conduct one or more rounds of interviews and, where appropriate, request additional information or supporting documentation.

Prior to making a final appointment, the ABA League reserves the right to verify the information provided by candidates and to obtain references or other information relevant to the assessment of their professional qualifications and integrity.

The final appointment shall be made by the ABA League Assembly no later than 15 August 2026, following which a Service Agreement will be concluded with the successful candidate.

Personal Data Protection

By submitting an application, candidates acknowledge and consent to the ABA League processing their personal data solely for the purposes of conducting this selection procedure, in accordance with the applicable personal data protection legislation.

Final Provisions

The ABA League reserves the right, at its sole discretion and without providing reasons, to amend, suspend or terminate this selection procedure at any time, extend the application deadline, decide not to appoint any candidate, withdraw from the appointment process, or discontinue negotiations with any candidate without incurring any liability towards applicants.

Submission of an application does not create any entitlement to appointment or to the conclusion of a Service Agreement, nor does it oblige the ABA League to appoint any candidate.

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