The National Basketball League will have its first full-time referees this season, with two Australians appointed to the roles.
Implemented as part of a new strategic plan aimed at improving game-day operations, Michael Aylen and Vaughan Mayberry have been appointed to the newly-created positions.
"This initiative is one of several strategic moves to build a more professional referee program," NBL head of referees Scott Butler said.
"Bringing Vaughan and Michael on full-time allows us to focus their energy and effort on being the best version of themselves while also using their expertise and experience to help the rest of the group improve and lift their standards as well."
Aylen has refereed at three Olympics and was in charge of the gold-medal match at the London 2012 Games, between the USA and Spain.
Mayberry has also officiated at the past two Olympics, as well as four world championships.
The announcements are part of a number of initiatives set to improve refereeing ahead of the NBL season-opener between the Brisbane Bullets and Perth Wildcats on October 6.
"We are working to standardise the officiating program, including the amalgamation of the entire Technical Officials program within the envelope of the broader referee program," Butler said.
"The NBL is now responsible for the game night delivery of the Technical Officials across the league which completes the circle of officiating that is connected with the NBL."
