#IWD2020 NBL Canada Referee Jen Lloyd

Written by Carson Devuae | Photography by Paul Morris

When Jen Lloyd finished her playing career, she knew that she couldn't walk away from the game she loved.

"I was an all-around athlete growing up - playing hockey, volleyball, and softball – but I started playing basketball in the ninth grade, and found that to be my true passion."

After playing throughout high school while living in Truro, and four years at Acadia University, Jen took her talents overseas, and played professional basketball in Belgium and Australia. Once her playing days were over, Jen realized that she still wanted to be involved with the game in any way possible. She coached for a number of years at various levels throughout Nova Scotia. And in 2006, she was a part of Nova Scotia's women's coaching staff that won bronze at the Canada Games.

After her coaching success, the Canadian Association of Basketball Officials (CABO) then recruited Jen to trade her clipboard in for a whistle, and become a basketball official.

"At the time, CABO was making a real push Nationally to promote officiating to younger female officials, and I was approached by the same official that use to referee me during my high school playing days in Truro. My current job, which is an physical education teacher, didn't allow me to coach in the school setting, so I decided to give back to the game that I love by officiating it."

After getting certified by the Halifax Metro Area of Basketball Officials, Jen began officiating at lower levels throughout Nova Scotia. She quickly rose up the ranks, and began working as a Minor Official at Halifax Hurricanes' table. This opportunity allowed Jen to observe the officials refereeing at the National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC), and how they officiated Canada's highest league of basketball.

"I knew some of the officials that would work those games, as we would officiate a lot of games together at various lower levels. I thought if they could officiate at this level, then I could too."

Jen then reached out to Mike Fallon, the NBLC's Officials Commissioner, about officiating in the league. She sent him tape of her officiating and received multiple positive recommendations from others within the league that had worked with her before. After flying out to Toronto to meet with him, Mike hired her to officiate in the NBLC.

Currently, Jen is only one of three female officials in the entire league, and the only female officiating games in Atlantic Canada, but hopes that will change some day.

"I am always hopeful that females will want to officiate at a high level, and join me in the NBLC. But, I also understand that this high level of basketball, and the responsibility and pressure that comes with officiating it, is not for everyone."

Jen understands that there are very few females working in the profession she is in. But, she has been fortunate to never face any discrimination about her work because of her gender.

"I have always been treated fairly throughout my time as an official. I believe this is because of my knowledge of the game, and my ability to communicate with people. Being approachable, listening to players and coaches, and being to put myself in their shoes, has helped me immensely."

Being the only female official in Atlantic Canada, Jen is viewed as somewhat of a role model to young women in the basketball community here – showing the youth they can achieve anything as long as they put the time, and the effort, into it.

"Things aren't just going to magically happen to you over night. You have to be willing to work hard, and not be scared to ask others for guidance. Most importantly, with whatever you are doing, make sure you have enjoying what you do, and have fun doing it. And never forget to smile along the way."

Like all Nova Scotians, Jen loves the lifestyle, and her life, here in Nova Scotia. She has no plans to pursue officiating at any higher levels of basketball, or internationally. But, said she would make one exception to that if the opportunity came.

"Even though I love living in Nova Scotia, if the WNBA comes knocking on my door, I'm in!"