
Aspiring basketball referees in Tennessee must be prepared to devote considerable time and energy to their craft. In addition to making decisions that may not please everyone, they must also undergo a background check and register with the TSSAA. This process includes filling out personal information, paying a fee, and potentially attending a TSSAA basketball camp. To maintain eligibility for post-season tournaments, referees must also regularly attend local interpretation meetings and, once every three years, a TSSAA officials basketball camp.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Registration fee | $70 for the first sport, $60 for each additional sport |
| Registration period | Opens every year on June 1 and closes the following May |
| Background check | Required, adheres to Tennessee state law |
| Age | Must be 13 years or older at the time of registration |
| Training | US Soccer Referee Entry Module, which takes about 4.5 hours |
| Local support | Tennessee officials' associations located throughout the state for ongoing training |
| Post-season tournaments | Basketball referees must attend a TSSAA officials basketball camp once every three years |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Register with your local officials' association and pay the $70 fee
- Complete the US Soccer Referee Entry Module, which takes around 4.5 hours
- Attend an in-person session and pass a background check
- Receive your badge and certification
- Attend a TSSAA basketball camp to be eligible for post-season tournaments

Register with your local officials' association and pay the $70 fee
To become a basketball referee in Tennessee, you must register with your local officials' association. These associations are located throughout the state and provide ongoing training and support for referees. They also hold local interpretation meetings to help you fulfil the requirement to become a referee.
The registration process involves completing the necessary paperwork and paying the required fees. The cost of registering as a referee in Tennessee is $70 for the first sport, which includes a $10 background check fee. This background check is a legal requirement and adheres to Tennessee state law. It is important to note that failure to pass this background check will result in non-refundable registration.
To initiate the registration process, you can visit the website of your local officials' association or the TSSAA website, which provides information on becoming an official. The registration period for sports officials in Tennessee is typically open from June 1 to the following May. This means that if you miss the registration deadline for a particular sport, you will need to wait until the next open registration period to complete your registration.
In addition to registering and paying the fees, there are other requirements to become a basketball referee in Tennessee. These may include written rules examinations, attendance at rules interpretation meetings, and group meetings with other officials throughout the year. It is important to be prepared to devote considerable time and energy to becoming a good official and improving your decision-making skills.
Who Will Win March Madness: Predictions and Favorites
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Complete the US Soccer Referee Entry Module, which takes around 4.5 hours
To become a referee in Tennessee, you must be 13 years of age or older at the time of registration. One of the steps to becoming a referee is to complete the US Soccer Referee Entry Module, which takes around 4.5 hours. This module can be taken in multiple sittings.
To begin, you will be directed to the US Soccer Learning Center. Here, you will need to use your legal name, current mailing address, and an email address that you check frequently. This email address will be your username, and you can set a password of your choice, as long as it is at least six characters and contains only numbers and letters.
Upon completion of the module, you will receive an email from US Soccer congratulating you. However, this does not mean that you have completed all prerequisite assignments. You will need to refer to your OMS profile for instructions on your remaining assignments under "Online Lessons".
Once you have completed all the assignments, you will be ready to attend your in-person session. After completing this session, you will receive your badge, and your certification will be finalized. Your certification will be valid until December 31, 2025.
Transfer Portal: Basketball's New Player Trade System
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$12.99 $13.99

Attend an in-person session and pass a background check
To become a basketball referee in Tennessee, you must attend an in-person session and pass a background check.
In-Person Session
Once you have completed all the online assignments, you will be ready to attend your in-person session. This session will cover the practical aspects of being a referee and will likely involve role-playing and simulations of real-game scenarios. Here, you will get to apply the rules and theories you learned during the online modules and receive feedback from instructors.
Background Check
All officials must pass a background check, which adheres to Tennessee state law. If you are 18 or older, you will need to complete this as one of your assignments. The background check criteria include questions about whether you have ever been convicted of a felony, violent crime, crime against a person, or fraud. Failure to pass the background check cannot be appealed, and registration fees will not be refunded.
Registration
Registration for referees opens every year on June 1 and closes the following May. You may register for all sports on this date. The registration fee for your first sport is $70, which includes a $10 mandatory background check fee, and each additional sport is $60.
Ongoing Training
To maintain your certification, you must devote considerable time and energy to improving your skills. Basketball referees are required to attend a TSSAA officials' basketball camp once every three years to be eligible to work post-season tournaments. State tournament referees must also attend a TSSAA Invitational Basketball Camp unless they have worked the state tournament previously.
Mastering the Art of Basketball like Stephen Curry
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Receive your badge and certification
To receive your referee badge and certification in the state of Tennessee, there are a number of steps and requirements that must be fulfilled. Firstly, registration is required, which includes providing personal information such as your legal name, address, and email address. There is also a registration fee, which covers the cost of the referee program and annual registration with the relevant sporting body. In Tennessee, the total fee is $98 for soccer referees, while for basketball referees, the first sport registration costs $70 and each additional sport is $60. It is important to note that registration for sports typically has an annual timeframe, so prospective referees should be mindful of the registration period.
Upon successful registration, prospective referees will need to complete a referee course. For example, the US Soccer Referee Entry Module takes approximately 4.5 hours and can be completed in multiple sittings. After completing the module, there will be additional assignments to finish before attending an in-person session.
Once all the prerequisite assignments and the in-person session are completed, you will be well on your way to receiving your referee badge and certification. The badge signifies that you have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to officiate basketball games in Tennessee. The certification, on the other hand, serves as official recognition of your qualifications and will be valid for a specified period, such as until December 31, 2025, as per the US Soccer Referee Entry Module.
It is important to note that ongoing training and participation in local interpretation meetings are often required to maintain your certification and eligibility for officiating in tournaments. For example, basketball referees in Tennessee must attend a TSSAA officials basketball camp once every three years to be eligible for post-season tournaments.
Additionally, background checks are a standard requirement for referee certification. This process adheres to Tennessee state law, and non-compliance will result in non-issuance of the badge and certification, with no option for appeal.
Chicken Basketballs: Fact or Fiction?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Attend a TSSAA basketball camp to be eligible for post-season tournaments
To become a basketball referee in Tennessee, one must register as an official with the TSSAA (Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association). The TSSAA is a voluntary, nonprofit organization that stimulates and regulates the athletic relations of secondary schools in Tennessee.
To be eligible to referee post-season basketball tournaments, there are specific requirements that must be met. One crucial step is to attend a TSSAA basketball camp. These camps are mandatory for basketball referees seeking to work in post-season tournaments, and they must be attended once every three years to maintain eligibility.
The TSSAA basketball camps provide essential training and networking opportunities for referees. They offer a chance to interact with fellow officials, exchange insights, and receive guidance from experienced instructors. These camps also ensure that referees are up-to-date with the latest rules and interpretations, fostering consistency in officiating across Tennessee.
By attending a TSSAA basketball camp, you will not only enhance your knowledge and skills as a referee but also build valuable connections within the officiating community. These connections can provide ongoing support and mentorship throughout your career as a basketball referee in Tennessee.
In addition to attending the camps, it is beneficial to be aware of other requirements for officiating in post-season tournaments. For example, state tournament referees may need to attend a TSSAA Invitational Basketball Camp, unless they have prior state tournament experience. Baseball umpires, on the other hand, must attend either a TSSAA clinic every two years or a camp every three years to maintain their post-season eligibility.
Becoming a basketball referee in Tennessee requires dedication and a commitment to continuous improvement. By participating in TSSAA basketball camps and fulfilling the necessary requirements, you will be well on your way to officiating post-season tournaments and contributing to the fair and consistent regulation of the sport in the state.
The Evolution of Balls Before Basketballs
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
To become a basketball referee in Tennessee, you must be 13 years or older and pass a background check. You must also complete the US Soccer Referee Entry Module, which takes around 4.5 hours, and pay the associated fees.
There are no specific qualifications mentioned, however, you must complete the necessary training and modules, as well as pass a background check, to become a certified referee in Tennessee.
To become a basketball referee in Tennessee, you must first register with the Tennessee Soccer Referee Program and complete the required clinic or training. You will then need to pass a background check and pay the necessary fees. Finally, you will receive your badge and certification, which will be valid for a specified period.










































