Batang PBA Middle East has announced a regional referee tryout as part of its preparations for the upcoming youth basketball tournament scheduled in Doha this February. The tryouts will be held from February 2 to 5, 2026, at ACS Doha International School, just days ahead of the Batang PBA Middle East tournament dates.
The referee program forms part of the initiative’s broader effort to establish a professionally run basketball environment for overseas Filipino youth, extending beyond players to include officials and technical personnel. Organizers said the tryouts aim to identify and train referees who can officiate games according to established standards, strengthening the overall quality of competition.
Leading the sessions are experienced Philippine basketball officials, including PBA legend referee Joey Calungcaguin and SBP Technical Academy head table official and PBA table official Jun Bayais. More officials are expected to be announced as the program draws closer.
The referee tryout complements the recently announced Batang PBA Middle East youth tournament, which will take place from February 6 to 8, 2026. Both activities are part of the Batang PBA expansion in the region, aligned with the Philippine Basketball Association’s 50th anniversary initiatives and its push to provide structured basketball opportunities for Filipinos overseas.
