Join the “2024 JBA Female Coach & Referee Conference ~ Empowering Women in Basketball Leadership ~” (*Request deadline: February 6, 2024)
Mark Your Calendars: The 2024 JBA Women’s coaches & Referees Conference is Set for Sunday, February 16, 2025
Sports participation can be categorized into four main areas: playing, supporting, spectating, and understanding. In basketball,the number of men and women who actively play the sport is nearly equal.However, when it comes to roles like coaching and refereeing, women are considerably underrepresented.Currently, only about 20% of coaching and referee licenses are held by women, highlighting a gender gap in leadership positions within the sport.
This year’s conference is centered on the theme, “Empowering Women to Lead: Expanding Opportunities for Female Coaches and Referees.” The event aims to explore the challenges women face in these roles and discuss actionable strategies to encourage more women to pursue and thrive in coaching and refereeing careers.By fostering a supportive environment, the conference seeks to inspire a new generation of female leaders in basketball.
The Japan Basketball Association (JBA) has been actively working to bridge this gap through initiatives like mentorship programs for female coaches and specialized training for women referees. These efforts align with global movements to increase gender diversity in sports leadership. The rise of female coaches and referees not only provides strong role models for young girls but also enriches the basketball community as a whole. This conference is a platform for current and aspiring female coaches, referees, and anyone passionate about advancing women’s roles in basketball to come together and share ideas.
This event is open to individuals of all ages and genders, ensuring inclusivity. Additionally, childcare services will be available for parents with young children, making it easier for everyone to participate.
With a limited capacity of 85 attendees, early registration is encouraged to secure your spot. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative event in the basketball community.
*This conference qualifies as a refresher training session, offering 2 refresher points for JBA-certified coaches holding a Grade D license or higher.
■2024 JBA Female Coaches & Referees Conference: Key Details
*For extensive information, refer to the attached event guidelines.
■Theme
“Empowering Women to Lead: Expanding Opportunities for Female Coaches and Referees”
■Date, Time, and Agenda
12:30-13:00 registration
13:00-13:15 Opening Session (Welcome Remarks, Conference Overview, Guidelines)
Speaker: Akane Mikura (JBA Instructor Training Committee / Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, Juntendo University)
13:15-13:25 Initiatives to Foster Female Referees
Speaker: Yoshitsune Maeda, General Manager, JBA Umpire Group
13:25~14:05 [Part 1] keynote Lecture
“Journey in Basketball: From Player to Leader”
Speaker: Aiko takubo
┗ Teacher at Tokyo metropolitan Chitoseoka High School, Head Coach of the Women’s Basketball Team
┗ Licenses: S-Class Referee, 1st-Class Referee Instructor, C-Class Coach
Speaker: Natsumi Hirose
┗ Part-Time Instructor, Miyako Tachibasa Sogo High School, Girls Basketball club Coach
┗ Licenses: B-Class Referee, D-Class Coach
Speaker: Aya Yokota
┗ japan Women’s Sports University, 4-year program
┗ Key certifications: Class B Referee License
14:05~14:15 Break
14:15-15:00 [Part 2] Panel Discussion
“Overcoming Obstacles and building Support Systems for Sustained Involvement in Basketball”
Panelists: Aiko Takubo, Natsumi Hirose, Aya Yokota
Moderator: Akane Mikura
15:00~15:15 Break
15:15-16:25 [part 3] Workshop
“Exploring Strategies to Boost Female Participation in Basketball”
Hosted by the JBA Mentor Advancement Committee
16:25-16:30 Closing Remarks
*Please note that the schedule is subject to minor adjustments. We appreciate your understanding.
■Event Location
Ajinomoto National Training Center, Indoor Training Center West – “Large Training Room”
(3-15-1 Nishigaoka, kita-ku, Tokyo 115-0056)
■Who Should Attend?
This event is designed for women currently working as coaches or referees, those aspiring to enter these roles, and anyone passionate about advancing opportunities for women in basketball leadership.
(Participants of all ages, genders, coaching/refereeing experience levels, and sports backgrounds are welcome.)
■Participation Details
Fee: 2,200 yen (tax included)
*An additional system usage fee of 300 yen (tax included) will apply during payment.
*Refunds are not available after payment, except in cases of event cancellation by the organizer.
■Childcare Services
・Childcare services are available to ensure parents can participate without worry.
Operating Hours: 12:45-16:45
Eligible Age: Preschoolers (0 to 6 years old)
Fee: 2,000 yen per child (tax included)
・To reserve childcare, please review the attached “Childcare Service Agreement Form” and submit your request via the seminar inquiry button. Include the desired date, number of children, and their ages. Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
・Required documents: “Childcare Service Agreement Form” and “Childcare Service Preliminary Questionnaire.”
・Childcare is provided by Asuka Co., Ltd.,a company specializing in certified childcare services.
・Please note that childcare is not available for children who are ill or recovering. Additionally, we reserve the right to decline service based on the preliminary medical questionnaire.
・For parents with elementary school-aged children, please contact us directly via the seminar inquiry button for special arrangements.
■Registration Period
january 18, 2025 (Saturday) 10:00 ~ February 6, 2025 (Wednesday) 23:59
*Payment must be completed within this timeframe. Late payments will result in an invalid application.
*If the event reaches capacity, applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Cancellations during the registration period will free up spots, and notifications will be sent via email in the order of cancellations.
*No applications will be accepted after the registration period ends.
■How to Register
Applications are processed through TeamJBA.
The registration page varies depending on whether you hold a coaching license.
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◆ For JBA-certified coaches with a Grade D license or higher:
Click here to apply >>
https://team-jba.jp/member/workshop-applying/23365/detail
Training ID: E1012513
Workshop Title: 2024 JBA Women’s Coaching & Officiating Summit (Refresher Course)
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◆ For individuals without a JBA-accredited coaching license of Level D or above
Visit the registration portal here >>
https://team-jba.jp/event/23366/detail
Event ID: E3012514
Event Title: 2024 JBA Women’s Coaching & Officiating Summit (Open Session)
*A TeamJBA member ID is required for registration (available at no cost).
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Ensure you review all details carefully before submitting your application to avoid errors.
The 2024 JBA Female Coach & Referee Conference ~ Empowering Women in Basketball Leadership ~ is a groundbreaking event designed to address the gender gap in basketball leadership roles and inspire more women to take on coaching and refereeing positions. With the theme “Empowering Women to Lead: Expanding Opportunities for Female Coaches and Referees,” this conference is a must-attend for anyone passionate about advancing gender equity in sports.
Why This Conference Matters
Currently, only about 20% of coaching and referee licenses in basketball are held by women. this underrepresentation highlights a meaningful gap in leadership roles within the sport. The conference aims to tackle this issue head-on by providing a platform for discussion, learning, and networking. It will explore the challenges women face in these roles and offer actionable strategies to encourage more women to pursue and thrive in coaching and refereeing careers.
Key Highlights of the Event
- Keynote Lecture: “Journey in Basketball: From Player to Leader”
Featuring inspiring speakers like Aiko Takubo, Natsumi Hirose, and Aya Yokota, this session will delve into their personal journeys in basketball, from playing to leadership roles. Their stories will serve as powerful examples for aspiring female coaches and referees.
- Panel Discussion: “Overcoming Obstacles and Building Support Systems for Sustained Involvement in Basketball”
Moderated by Akane Mikura,this panel will bring together experienced professionals to discuss the challenges women face in basketball leadership and how to create supportive environments for sustained involvement.
- workshop: “Exploring Strategies to Boost Female Participation in Basketball”
Hosted by the JBA Mentor Advancement Committee, this interactive workshop will focus on practical strategies to increase female participation in coaching and refereeing. Participants will leave with actionable insights to implement in their own communities.
- Networking Opportunities
The conference provides a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and build a supportive network of women in basketball leadership.
Who Should Attend?
This event is open to:
- Women currently working as coaches or referees.
- Aspiring female coaches and referees.
- Anyone passionate about advancing opportunities for women in basketball leadership.
The conference is inclusive,welcoming participants of all ages,genders,and experience levels.Additionally, childcare services will be available, ensuring that parents with young children can participate without barriers.
Event Details
- Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025
- Time: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Location: Ajinomoto National Training Center, Indoor Training Center West – “Large Training Room” (3-15-1 Nishigaoka, Kita-ku, Tokyo 115-0056)
- Capacity: Limited to 85 attendees (early registration is encouraged)
Why You Should Attend
This conference is more than just an event—it’s a movement to empower women in basketball leadership. By attending, you’ll gain valuable insights, connect with industry leaders, and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse basketball community. Plus,for JBA-certified coaches holding a Grade D license or higher,this conference qualifies as a refresher training session,offering 2 refresher points.
How to Register
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative event. Mark your calendars and register early to secure your spot. For more details, refer to the attached event guidelines or visit the JBA website.
Let’s work together to empower women in basketball leadership and create a brighter future for the sport!