Hurling abuse at these two fellows is an exercise in sheer futility

It was a difficult road to that status. Before being allowed the whistle at that level, referees have numerous examinations and other assessments.

Murray had few problems with the assessments.

“The exams were another matter. He failed for three years running. Finally, his on-court performance at the 1985 Easter tournament and his dogged persistence saw him awarded his badge.

“I haven’t had too many problems,” he said. “Lip reading works very well on court, especially when the players are angry. I’m just like any other ref – if they get too loud, they get a technical foul.”

Peter Downie has been involved in basketball for a lot longer – for 16 years. The Onehunga man also struggled with exams, eventually having his on-court performance rewarded with a badge.

Lip reading also takes care of any expressions of disbelief or of anger.

Both men are more impressed with the women’s division than with the men’s. “They are much better behaved, get on with the game and don’t get into arguments over decisions,” said Downie.

Ross Little is the referees’ education officer and one of those who decides which referees advance. He is doubtful that either Murray or Downie will be seen on Countrywide Bank first division league courts.

“In that league, there are times when referees have to get into discussions with coaches. At the moment, neither man is able to communicate well enough for that sort of thing,” he said.

Otherwise, he is quite happy. Basketball refereeing relies on 25 to 28 hand signals to convey information, and both men did that very well.

Murray has had a taste of life in the top league: he whistled the tense, overtime, Waitemata v Yugoslavia game, one that more than once threatened to end in brawls. “Being deaf didn’t matter much for that game,” he said.

“I wouldn’t have been able to understand what the Yugoslavs were saying anyway.”