
If you want to be a high school basketball referee in Texas, you must first register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO). TASO provides officials for public and private school basketball games across the state. You must be at least 18 years old to referee varsity-level basketball, but you can be as young as 16 to officiate lower-level games. In addition to registering with TASO, you will also need to register with the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA), which is the governing body for all high school basketball officials in Texas. To be eligible to officiate, you will also need to pass a criminal background check.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Register with the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA)
To officiate high school basketball games in Texas, you must register with the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA). The THSBOA is the governing body for all high school basketball officials in Texas, and its goal is to aid in the education and development of officials, improve communication between governing bodies, and problem-solve among officials.
The THSBOA is a non-profit organization with 29 member chapters, each represented on the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors provides a direct link between the organization and the individual members of the local chapters. The THSBOA consists of an Executive Committee of six members, led by the Executive Chairman and Vice-Chair.
As a prospective referee, registering with the THSBOA gives you access to training and educational resources to help you become an excellent basketball official. The THSBOA works with the UIL (University Interscholastic League) and the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) to provide quality officiating for all students across Texas.
To initiate the registration process, you can contact the SFA THSBOA chapter in East Texas by reaching out to Julie Bachman at [email protected]. This chapter is authorized by the Constitution and Bylaws of the UIL and the SFA Chapter. Additionally, you will need to register with the NTBOA (North Texas region) and submit to a criminal background check conducted by the THSBOA.
Strategies to Sell a Large Lead in Basketball
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Register with the North Texas Basketball Officials Association (NTBOA)
The North Texas Basketball Officials Association (NTBOA) is an organization based in Dallas–Fort Worth that provides basketball referees for school districts in the DFW Metroplex. To become a referee for high school basketball games in North Texas, you must register with the NTBOA.
The NTBOA is committed to providing a meaningful and growing experience for its members, coaches, and student athletes. They offer thorough education and training to help you become a better official and connect with your fellow officials. The NTBOA also prides itself on its diverse membership, recognized for excelling in the field of officiating basketball.
To register with the NTBOA, you can visit their website, ntboa.org, for more information. The total cost of registration is $159, which includes $99 for NTBOA and $60 for the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA). Please note that these fees do not include uniform costs.
In addition to registering with the NTBOA, you must also register with the THSBOA and submit to a criminal background check. The THSBOA is the overarching governing body for all high school basketball officials in Texas, and its goals include aiding in the education and development of officials and improving communication between governing bodies.
Who's on ESPN's Basketball Commentary Tonight?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$15.99 $16.99

Meet age requirements
To become a referee for high school basketball games in Texas, you must meet the age requirements specified by the relevant governing bodies. The Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO) is the primary organisation responsible for certifying referees for high school sports in the state. According to TASO requirements, you must be at least 18 years old to officiate varsity-level basketball games. However, individuals as young as 16 years old can be certified to work lower-level games. These age requirements are specific to basketball and may vary for other sports.
It is important to note that different organisations may have their own age-related requirements. For example, the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA), which governs all high school basketball officials in Texas, may have their own age-related guidelines or requirements in addition to their registration and criminal background check procedures. Therefore, it is essential to consult the specific guidelines provided by THSBOA and other relevant organisations in your area.
In the case of combative sports such as boxing or MMA, the regulations differ from those of basketball. To officiate combative sports events in Texas, referees must be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The minimum age requirement for a TDLR combative sports referee license is 21 years old. This license is necessary for officiating both professional and amateur combative sports events within the state.
While age requirements are necessary, they are just one aspect of becoming a high school basketball referee in Texas. Other crucial factors include registering with the appropriate organisations, completing any necessary training or certification, and adhering to the rules and regulations set forth by the governing bodies. Each organisation may have its own specific requirements, so it is important to review their guidelines thoroughly.
Meeting the age requirements is a fundamental step towards becoming a high school basketball referee in Texas. By understanding and fulfilling these requirements, you can ensure that you are eligible to pursue the necessary training, certification, and officiating opportunities to achieve your goal of becoming a high school basketball referee.
Basketball Wives: Premiere Date and What to Expect
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Pay the registration fee
To become a high school basketball referee in Texas, you will need to pay a registration fee to the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO). TASO is the certifying organization for referees that are members of the HSSOA (the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association).
The TASO registration fee covers insurance, instruction, a rules book, and a badge. Additionally, TASO requires a separate criminal background check, which is also included in the registration fee. It is important to note that TASO increases the renewal fee for late registrations, so it is advisable to check their website for cutoff dates to avoid additional costs.
In addition to TASO, you will also need to register with the HSSOA, which has its own fees. There is a one-time HSSOA membership fee, as well as a fee per game. These fees cover chapter costs and the expenses of assigning games. It is worth noting that high school basketball in Texas requires the referee to pay for game assignments, which is a key difference from "Club Soccer."
Furthermore, to officiate in Texas, you must meet specific age requirements. For basketball, you must be 18 years old to work at the varsity level. However, you can start at 16 years old and be certified to work lower-level games.
Finally, it is essential to understand the responsibilities and rules of being a referee. This includes demonstrating qualities like honesty, objectivity, consistency, courage, and common sense, as outlined by the HSSOA.
The Art of Scoring in Basketball: Points Allowed
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$16.99 $20.99
$11.99 $18.99

Pass a criminal background check
To become a high school basketball referee in Texas, you must pass a criminal background check. This is a requirement for officiating high school basketball games in Texas. The Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA), the governing body for all high school basketball officials in the state, conducts the background check as part of the registration process.
The background check ensures that individuals meet the necessary standards of integrity and honesty to protect the integrity of the game and the well-being of the students. It involves evaluating an individual's criminal history, including any convictions or pleas. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) reviews criminal backgrounds and conducts a case-by-case analysis of criminal convictions.
If you have ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (excluding minor traffic violations) or pleaded guilty or no contest to any criminal offense, it is essential to disclose this information during the application process. You will need to provide a completed Criminal History Questionnaire along with your application materials.
The TDLR will consider the nature of the conviction and the time that has passed since the conviction when making their decision. Licenses may be denied based on these factors. However, individuals can request a pre-application evaluation of their criminal background before submitting their official application. This allows them to understand their eligibility better and provides an opportunity to address any concerns or clarify their situation.
It is important to note that the criminal background check is just one aspect of the referee licensing process in Texas. Other requirements include meeting age criteria, demonstrating knowledge of rules and regulations, and completing training or possessing relevant experience.
Basketball's Evolution: 125 Years of Changes to the Game
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
To become a referee in Texas, you must be at least 18 years old to work in varsity-level basketball games. However, you can be certified to work lower-level games at the age of 16. You must also register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO) and the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA) and submit to a criminal background check.
High school officials are expected to demonstrate qualities like honesty, objectivity, consistency, courage, and common sense. They play a vital role in protecting the integrity of the game and helping teenagers learn valuable life lessons.
First, complete the registration process with TASO and THSBOA, which includes paying the required fees. Then, submit to a criminal background check conducted by THSBOA. Finally, familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the game and the local chapters to start officiating games.
While not mandatory, it is beneficial to have prior experience as a referee or a strong understanding of the sport. Additionally, registering with local organizations like the North Texas Basketball Officials Association (NTBOA) can provide access to training and development opportunities specific to basketball officiating in North Texas.






































