How did the FFBB transform the training of its referees and instructors with Teach Up's AI-powered learning platform?

Training and supporting thousands of referees, coaches, and technical staff across France is the challenge the French Basketball Federation (FFBB) takes on every year. With a network of 210 trainers and more than 19,000 learners involved, the federation needed to modernize its training system to address three key priorities: standardize content, improve operational efficiency, and stay closely connected to the field. This is the context in which the partnership with Teach Up was born. A collaboration that enabled the FFBB to successfully drive a deep transformation of its training model, delivering tangible results within the very first months.

Five years ago, the FFBB began its learning transformation. The goal was clear: shifting from a 100% in-person approach to a blended learning model, more flexible and better suited to the realities on the field.

Choosing Teach Up quickly became the obvious solution to address the FFBB’s strategic goals:

• simple authoring that puts module creation within everyone’s reach,
• engaging interactions that keep learners motivated,
• and adaptive learning technology that automatically personalizes the journey to each individual’s level and pace.

The first joint project between FFBB and Teach Up focused on blending training programs. E-learning quickly became the guiding thread: preparation beforehand, structured in-person sessions, and post-session reinforcement.

The major innovation was the integration of adaptive learning. In practice, each module could offer thousands of different learning paths, with the one most suited to each learner selected in real time. Positioning tests, automatic step adjustments, and hyper-retention capabilities allowed the technology to finely personalize learning journeys without adding extra workload for trainers.

This shift delivered immediate results: participants arrived better prepared, trainers were freed from certain logistical constraints, and, above all, learner engagement significantly increased.

Once the first modules were deployed, another challenge emerged: how to scale content production without centralizing everything at headquarters? The solution was to empower field trainers. The 13 regional entities were equipped and trained to create their own modules. In just a few months, 210 trainers and administrators adopted Teach Up.

Teach Up’s AI Assistant played a key role. Thanks to this tool, even non-specialists in online course design were able to generate their own training programs tailored to field needs.

This decentralization has not only streamlined production but also fostered a culture of sharing. Best practices now flow across regions, inspiring others to create in turn.

Among the modules rolled out, one case perfectly illustrates the impact of this transformation: the training on concussions.

It was not initially a priority training topic for referees in France. The FFBB therefore integrated this module into their digital learning paths. The result: massive, fast, and consistent awareness. The FFBB quickly observed a clear shift:

A powerful example that shows how digital can create a real impact in the field.

Christian Auger, 4th Vice President and elected representative for the Training and Employment delegation, highlights the success of implementing Teach Up, based on the numerous positive testimonials he has received from across the region.

The results speak for themselves:

• 19,000 users trained (compared to the 14,000 initially planned),
• 78% of learners satisfied (sample of 10%),
• 80% of trainers satisfied (sample of 11%),
• and above all, far fewer support tickets than with the previous LMS.

Another encouraging sign: unexpected audiences, such as certain referee groups, have enthusiastically embraced the platform.

The FFBB has no intention of stopping there. Key priorities include:

• continuing the ongoing training of instructors to strengthen their autonomy,
• leveraging the new features of Teach Up, particularly for AI‑guided personalized training,
• developing digital coaching modules to provide even stronger, long‑term support for learners.

By leveraging Teach Up, the FFBB has proven that a sports federation can successfully drive a large-scale learning transformation. Through AI-powered learning, it has combined modernization, accessibility, and tangible impact, serving thousands of trainers and referees across France. A true success story that shows that with the right tools, it is possible to train better, faster… and elevate an entire sport.