
If you want to become a basketball referee in Michigan, you must register with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). You can register for two sports for $70, and $16 for any additional sport. Once registered, you will be sent instructions on testing and certification procedures, which include an Officials Guidebook exam, a Principles of Officiating exam, and a mechanics exam. After receiving your certification, you should join a local association of officials, such as the West Michigan Officials Association (WMOA), which provides rules meetings, clinics, and other learning opportunities for its members.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Registration | Register with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) at www.mhsaa.com. |
| Registration Fee | $70 for two sports and $16 for any additional sport. |
| Student Legacy Registration Fee | $38 for two sports and $16 for any additional sport. |
| Registration Deadline | November 18, 2024, for winter sports; March 24, 2025, for spring sports. |
| Late Fee | $30 for applications received after the deadline. |
| Reciprocal Official Information | For individuals living outside Michigan but wishing to work in the state. |
| Age Requirement | At least 18 years old and graduated from high school or no longer attending. |
| Exams | Principles of Officiating, Officials Guidebook, and Mechanics (for basketball and football). |
| Exam Score Requirement | Minimum score of 70% for each exam. |
| Exam Format | Open-book and may be taken online. |
| Uniforms | Purchase your own uniforms from Correct Call Officiating Outfitters or officialsports.com. |
| Local Association | Join a local association such as the West Michigan Officials Association (WMOA). |
| Game Situation Testing | Required for basketball and football referees to demonstrate abilities during live action. |
| Certification | Valid from January 1st to December 31st of each year; recertification is required annually. |
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What You'll Learn

Register with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA)
To become a basketball referee in Michigan, you must register with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). The MHSAA handles referee training in Michigan. The first step to becoming a referee is to register with the MHSAA at www.mhsaa.com. You will be registering as an independent contractor, not an employee.
The MHSAA website provides detailed registration instructions, and the registration process can be completed in a matter of minutes. Upon registration, you will receive an Officials ID Number, Login information, and Sports Rules Books. The standard registration fee is $70 for two sports, with an additional $16 for any further sports. There is also a Student Legacy registration option, which costs $38 for two sports and $16 for each additional sport. Registration is for the current school year only and runs from June 3, 2024, to May 20, 2025. All registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
New officials and those not registered in the previous school year must take several exams: the Officials Guidebook exam, the Principles of Officiating exam (for new registrants only), and the mechanics exam if registering for basketball. These exams are open-book and may be taken online. The MHSAA provides all the necessary rules and mechanics materials to study for these exams.
Once registered and certified, you can join a local association of officials, such as the West Michigan Officials Association (WMOA). Local associations provide ongoing training and education for their members, including rules meetings, clinics, and other learning opportunities. They also assist with scheduling games and networking with other officials and athletic directors.
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Complete the Principles of Officiating course and exam
To become a basketball referee in Michigan, you must complete the Principles of Officiating course and exam. This course and exam are designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the rules, regulations, and responsibilities of officiating basketball games. Here is a step-by-step guide to completing the Principles of Officiating course and exam:
Step 1: Register with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA)
To begin the process, you must register with the MHSAA, which handles referee training and certification in Michigan. You can register online at www.mhsaa.com. During registration, you will provide your personal information and choose basketball as your preferred sport. After registering, you will receive an Officials ID Number, Login Information, and access to the Sports Rules Books.
Step 2: Enroll in the Principles of Officiating Course
Once registered with the MHSAA, you can enroll in the Principles of Officiating course. This course is typically offered online and covers a range of topics related to officiating, such as rules and interpretations, game management, and ethical responsibilities. The course is designed to prepare you for the role of a referee and ensure you have the necessary knowledge to make fair and consistent decisions during basketball games.
Step 3: Study and Prepare for the Exam
The Principles of Officiating course will provide you with the study materials and resources needed to prepare for the exam. It is important to dedicate sufficient time to studying and understanding the content. The exam will assess your knowledge of the rules and your ability to apply them in different game situations. Familiarize yourself with the mechanics and fundamentals of basketball officiating, including court coverage, hand signals, and rule enforcement.
Step 4: Take the Principles of Officiating Exam
The Principles of Officiating exam is typically administered online. It is an open-book exam, allowing you to refer to the rules and resources during the test. The exam assesses your understanding of the material covered in the course. You will need to achieve a minimum passing score, usually set at 70%, to successfully complete the exam. You may have multiple attempts to achieve the required score.
Step 5: Stay Updated with Rules and Regulations
After completing the Principles of Officiating course and exam, it is important to stay updated with any changes or updates to the basketball rules and officiating guidelines. The MHSAA provides ongoing support and resources to registered officials, including access to rules updates, clinics, and learning opportunities. Staying current with the rules ensures that you maintain your competency as a referee and can confidently officiate basketball games.
By following these steps and successfully completing the Principles of Officiating course and exam, you will be well on your way to becoming a certified basketball referee in Michigan. Remember to stay dedicated, study diligently, and take advantage of the resources provided by the MHSAA to enhance your officiating skills and knowledge.
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Take the Mechanics Exam
To become a basketball referee in Michigan, you must register with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). The MHSAA registers officials for various sports, including basketball. After registering, you will receive instructions on testing and certification procedures.
As part of the certification process, you will need to complete a mechanics exam, specifically if you are registering for basketball for the first time or were not registered for basketball during the previous season. The mechanics exam is open-book and can be taken online. You can access the exam by logging into your MHSAA Officials Services account using the login tab on the MHSAA website.
The mechanics manuals can be found on the basketball tab of the MHSAA's Officials page. The exam covers the practical aspects of basketball officiating, such as the correct positioning and movement of referees during a game. It is designed to test your understanding of the mechanics and techniques required to effectively officiate a basketball game.
To pass the exam, you must achieve a minimum score of 70%. You have three opportunities to take the exam and achieve the passing score. Once you have passed the mechanics exam, along with the other certification requirements, you will be a certified basketball referee in Michigan.
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Join a local association, like the West Michigan Officials Association (WMOA)
Joining a local association, such as the West Michigan Officials Association (WMOA), is a great way to connect with other basketball referees and access additional benefits. Here are some key points about the WMOA:
- Membership Options: The WMOA offers two classes of membership: Active Membership and Associate Membership. Active Membership is for currently registered football and basketball officials with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). To maintain Active Membership, members must attend a minimum number of WMOA rules/mechanics meetings, pay current dues and special assessments by the specified deadline, and stay up-to-date with payments from the prior year.
- Voting Rights: Members of the WMOA have voting rights in elections and surveys. For football and basketball-specific positions, such as Football Registrar or Basketball Program Chair, only members registered as football or basketball officials, respectively, can vote.
- Training and Education: Local associations like the WMOA provide ongoing training and education for their member officials. This includes access to rules/mechanics meetings, which can help members attain Member In Good Standing (MIGS) status. The WMOA also maintains a list of candidates for various association and student-athlete awards.
- Online Presence: The WMOA has an online presence through its website, which offers features such as member voting, a current membership roster, and information about upcoming events and meetings.
- Fees: The WMOA may charge membership fees, as indicated by the mention of dues and assessments. The standard registration fee for officials in Michigan is $70 for two sports, with an additional $16 for each additional sport. Late registration fees of $30 may apply for certain sports during specific periods.
- Non-Profit Status: The WMOA is a nonprofit, charitable organization. This means that any profits generated by the association are reinvested into its operations, development, or other charitable purposes.
By joining the WMOA or a similar local association, you can access resources, training, and a network of fellow basketball referees, enhancing your officiating career in Michigan.
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Purchase your own uniforms and equipment
As an independent contractor, you are required to purchase your own uniforms and equipment. You can find out about sport-specific uniform and equipment requirements in the Officials Guidebook. The MHSAA's official supplier for uniforms is Correct Call Officiating Outfitters.
You can purchase uniforms from Correct Call Officiating Outfitters or online at purchaseofficials.com. Here, you can find ultra-lightweight, expander waistband, flat-front umpire base pants with an 88% polyester and 8% spandex blend. You can also purchase a headset, leg guards, and cold-weather umpire gloves.
For US Soccer Federation Referee Program uniforms, visit officialsports.com. It is recommended that you purchase a yellow jersey first, followed by green, red, blue, and black. Short-sleeve jerseys are preferred as you can wear a plain black long-sleeve shirt underneath.
Remember that shoes cannot be returned if they have been worn outside or on the court, so try them on indoors first. Shirts, pants, and jackets can be returned as long as they have not been altered, laundered, or game-worn.
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Frequently asked questions
To become a basketball referee in Michigan, you must first register with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). You can register online at www.mhsaa.com. Registration costs \$70 for two sports and \$16 for any additional sports.
To become a basketball referee in Michigan, you must be at least 18 years of age and have graduated from high school. You must also complete the Principles of Officiating online course and quiz, achieving a minimum score of 70%. Additionally, you must complete the Officials Guidebook test and the mechanics exam with a minimum score of 70%.
After registering with the MHSAA, you will receive an Officials ID Number, Login information, and Sports Rules Books. You will then need to take the MHSAA Officials Guidebook Exam and complete the Mechanics Exam. These exams are open-book and may be taken online.
Yes, once you are certified, you should join a local association of officials, such as the West Michigan Officials Association (WMOA). Local associations provide ongoing training and education for their members and help with scheduling games.










































