In a career spanning more than 20 years, Butler officiated 502 NBL games and was named NBL Referee of the Year on four occasions (2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009). This consistently high level of officiating made him a much respected figure among players and coaches around the competition.

This was evident in the 12 consecutive NBL Grand Final series he officiated in from 2002 to 2012

Butler’s contribution was not restricted to the NBL, officiating on the international stage for a decade, including at the two Olympic Games and two FIBA World Championships.

After his first taste of international basketball at the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane, Butler became a regular at the sport’s biggest international tournaments.

Butler was part of the refereeing team at the 2006 and 2010 FIBA World Championships, officiating in the bronze medal game of the 2006 tournament and the 5th/6th playoff of the 2010 tournament.

These experiences on the big stage ensured Butler would get his chance to shine at the Olympic Games, going on to officiate in the women’s bronze medal game of the 2008 Beijing Games and serve as the emergency for the gold medal game, in addition to serving at the 2004 Athens Games.