The FTEM-O framework (Foundation, Talent, Elite, Mastery – Officiating) is a structured model designed to guide officials through their development journey, from grassroots officiating to high-performance careers.
Adapted from the athlete development models, FTEM-O ensures that officials receive the appropriate training, mentorship, and career progression opportunities at each stage. The framework supports officials in building core competencies at the Foundation level, refining skills in the Talent phase, managing high-pressure environments in the Elite stage, and sustaining long-term success in Mastery.
The FTEM-O framework provides a clear, structured pathway for officiating development in basketball, from entry-level community officiating to elite international performance. FTEM-O recognises that officials, like players, require long-term support, progressive skill development, and targeted opportunities to advance.
This model supports officials working across all levels, from C1–C3 community grades to national and international appointments. It also enables associations, states, and leagues to clearly map development programs, identify talent, and align accreditation to progression. In doing so, FTEM-O ensures officials are well-prepared for the increasing demands of officiating at each stage of their journey, and by integrating FTEM-O, associations create a clear and supportive pathway for their officials, ensuring continuous improvement and retention.
The FTEM-O framework provides a way to map where individuals are in their officiating journey and helps Program Managers plan the right support at the right time.
The FTEM-O model is then taken into a Three-Dimensional Officiating Development (3DOD) model.
*This framework will provide the foundation to other officiating streams and formats (eg. 3X3, Wheelchair).
