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Becoming a basketball referee in Texas can be a rewarding way to engage with your community and support young athletes. To officiate basketball games in Texas, you must register with a local chapter of the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA), which is the governing body for all high school basketball officials in the state. The THSBOA provides education, training, and development opportunities for its members, and works to improve communication between governing bodies and ensure fair and safe athletic competitions. You will also need to register with the UIL and a local association, such as the NTBOA, which officiates games in North Texas, and submit to a criminal background check. Officiating offers flexibility, the opportunity to create your own schedule, and extra income.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Registration | Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO), Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA), National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) |
| Age | 16 years old to work lower-level games, 18 years old to work varsity level |
| Application fee | $50 |
| Training | Online or on-site, includes rule and case books, classroom instruction, on-court training, and game assignments |
| Costs | Vary depending on the sport |
| Background check | Criminal history report required |
| Equipment | Referee shirt, black shorts/pants, whistles, wrist/pocket item for tracking jump balls |
| Scheduling | Flexible, create your own schedule |
| Pay | Paid by the school district |
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What You'll Learn
Register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO)
To become a basketball referee in Texas, you must register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO). TASO provides sports officials for public and private school athletic events. You can complete the application online, but you should check the website to see when registration is open. Once registration closes, you will need to wait until the next period to apply.
During the registration process, you will be asked to select a chapter in your area. This chapter will be your local board of officials, from which you will receive ongoing information and communication throughout your career as a sports official. You should expect to pay an entry fee, which generally covers the cost of rule books, study materials, and instructional clinics, as well as yearly dues.
The age requirements for basketball referees in Texas are 18 years old to work at the varsity level, but you can be certified to work lower-level games at 16.
In addition to registering with TASO, to be eligible to officiate basketball games in Texas, you must also register with the THSBOA (Texas High School Basketball Officials Association) and submit to a criminal background check. The THSBOA is the overarching governing body for all high school basketball officials in the state of Texas. It aims to aid in the education and development of officials, improve communication between governing bodies, and problem-solve among officials.
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Complete a first-time referee course
To become a basketball referee in Texas, you must register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO). You will then need to select a chapter in your area.
TASO provides sports officials for public and private school athletic events. The application can be completed online, but registration periods vary, so check the website for details.
If you are a first-time referee, you will need to complete a first-time referee course. This course is designed to prepare candidates for their tasks and responsibilities as referees. It is available from late July through December and from January through mid-May.
To complete the registration process, sign up for the first-time referee course. Set the 'Host' filter to the South Texas Referee Committee and choose the course that suits you. The course takes 4.5 hours to complete and costs $65.
Candidates must also complete Safe Sport training, the Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments module, and a referee certification quiz. If you are 18 or older, you must also complete a U.S. Soccer background check, which costs $23 and is valid for two years.
Once registered and certified, you will be eligible to officiate games.
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Pass a criminal background check
To become a basketball referee in Texas, you must pass a criminal background check. This is a requirement for becoming a referee in Texas for sports such as basketball, baseball, football, soccer, softball, and volleyball. The criminal background check is conducted by the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA), which is the governing body for all high school basketball officials in the state.
The background check is a standard part of the referee registration process. In Texas, you must register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO) to officiate public and private school athletic events. The registration process includes selecting a chapter in your area.
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, you must disclose this information during the application process. This includes providing a completed Criminal History Questionnaire along with your application materials.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) will conduct a criminal history background check on all applicants for a referee license. Criminal convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and licenses may be denied based on the nature of the conviction and the time that has passed since the conviction occurred.
It is important to note that there may be specific requirements and pathways for becoming a referee in combative sports such as boxing or MMA. These pathways may include demonstrating qualifications through approved training programs or previous experience as a referee in the specific sport.
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Get the right gear
To become a basketball referee in Texas, you'll need to get the right gear. Here's a list of what you'll need:
- Referee shirt: Look for a shirt that is comfortable and breathable, as you'll be moving around a lot during games. Black, white, and stripes are common colours for referee shirts.
- Black shorts or pants: Depending on your preference and the weather, you can choose between black shorts or pants. Just make sure they're comfortable and allow for a full range of motion.
- Whistles: Invest in a few good whistles that produce a clear, loud sound. You'll need them to signal fouls, violations, and the start and stop of play.
- Jump ball tracker: This can be something as simple as a coin or a small token that you keep in your pocket or on your wrist. It helps you keep track of which team is entitled to possession after a jump ball situation.
- Rule books: Familiarise yourself with the official basketball rules, such as the NFHS basketball rules. Having a physical copy of the rule book is always helpful, so consider purchasing one or downloading an electronic version to have on hand during games.
- Hand signals guide: Learn the official hand signals used by basketball referees to indicate violations, fouls, and substitutions. You can usually find guides or booklets that illustrate these hand signals, which will help you communicate effectively during games.
Having the right gear is an important step in your journey to becoming a basketball referee in Texas. It ensures you look the part and have the tools necessary to perform your role effectively.
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Learn the hand signals
Learning the hand signals is an important part of becoming a basketball referee. Hand signals are used to communicate calls to players, coaches, and spectators during a game. Here are some common hand signals used by basketball referees and what they mean:
When a foul occurs, the referee will first blow their whistle to stop play and then put a closed hand in the air. This closed fist signifies that a foul has been committed. It is distinct from an open-hand signal, which indicates a violation. Following this, the referee will indicate the type of foul. For instance, a blocking foul occurs when a defensive player fails to maintain a legal guarding position and impedes the progress of the dribbler. The referee signals this by placing both hands on their hips. On the other hand, if the defensive player is in a legal guarding position and the offensive player knocks them off their spot, it is called a charging foul. The referee will signal this by placing their hands on their hips and then moving them forward in a charging motion.
There are also hand signals to indicate violations. For example, a carrying violation is called when a player is dribbling and places their hand under the basketball, continuing to dribble. The referee will signal this by using one hand and flipping it over from palm up to palm down repeatedly. Another violation is when a player remains in the paint, the area closest to the basket, for more than three seconds. The referee will call a 3-second violation and use three fingers pointed down at their side, followed by a swiping motion with their hand, to indicate this. Similarly, a 5-second violation is called when a team takes longer than five seconds to inbound the ball, with the referee signalling this by holding up five fingers.
Additionally, referees use hand signals to indicate time-related rules. In basketball, when a team has possession of the ball in the frontcourt, they cannot cross back over the halfway line without the defence touching the ball. If they do, it is called an over-and-back violation. The referee will signal this by placing their hand out with a palm down and moving it side to side, as if indicating a line has been crossed. If playing with a shot clock, teams have a set time, often 24 seconds, to shoot. If they fail to do so, the referee will call a 24-second violation and tap the top of their shoulder on the same arm.
Finally, some signals are more straightforward. For instance, when both teams compete for the ball, a jump ball is called, and the referee will signal this by giving two thumbs up.
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Frequently asked questions
Officiating as a basketball referee in Texas comes with a unique set of benefits. You get to create your own schedule, deciding when you want to work. This flexibility allows you to choose your own hours and level of involvement. It can also be a great way to stay physically active and engage in a rewarding side hustle that pays you to have fun and watch basketball.
To become a basketball referee in Texas, you must join a regional association, such as the THSBOA (Texas High School Basketball Officials Association) and its local chapters. This gives you access to scheduling for games and a community of officials. You will also need to pay local dues and register with the UIL (University Interscholastic League). Additionally, you must undergo a criminal background check.
The THSBOA is the governing body for all high school basketball officials in Texas. Their mission includes providing education, training support, and materials to local chapters, as well as advocating for and promoting the protection of officials. They also work to identify problem areas and offer positive solutions, ensuring the best quality officiating for Texas student-athletes.
Officiating a basketball game can be physically demanding and challenging. Successful officials need to maintain their fitness year-round to meet these demands. It also requires quick decision-making and the ability to remain impartial and calm under pressure.
