Kristian Ferrell
To become a basketball referee in Texas, you must register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO). TASO provides officials for public and private school athletic events, and you can complete your application online. Age requirements vary by sport; for basketball, you must be 18 years old to work at the varsity level, but you can be certified to work lower-level games at 16. You will also need to select a chapter in your area. The Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA) is a UIL-recognized association representing 28 local basketball officiating chapters and 4,900 individual members across Texas. To be eligible to officiate basketball for UIL member schools, individuals must register with an association, with the UIL, and with a local chapter. Officiating can be a part-time side hustle, offering extra income and the opportunity to engage in physical activity while giving back to your community.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age requirement | 16 years old to work lower-level games; 18 years old to work the varsity level |
| Associations to register with | Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO); Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA); UIL |
| Application process | Online; open for new members for the 2025-2026 basketball season |
| Requirements | Submit to a criminal background check; certain felonies may prevent membership |
| Benefits | Extra income; opportunity to stay active and fit |
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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 first register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO). TASO provides sports officials for public and private school athletic events. The TASO website will inform you when registration is open, and you will need to wait until the next registration period if you miss the deadline.
The TASO application can be completed online. During the registration process, you will be asked to select a chapter in your area. This chapter will be your local board of officials, providing ongoing information and communication throughout your career as a sports official. You should expect to pay an entry fee, which covers the cost of rule books, study material, and instructional clinics, as well as yearly dues.
Age requirements vary depending on the sport. For basketball, you must be 18 years old to work at the varsity level, but you can be certified to officiate lower-level games at 16.
TASO Basketball uses the sportsYou app to improve communications with its members. Members can access the latest news and announcements, including UIL updates.
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Choose a chapter in your area
To become a basketball referee in Texas, you must first register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO). As part of the registration process, you will be asked to select a chapter in your area.
TASO is the primary provider of sports officials for public and private school athletic events in Texas. The organisation has 17,000 members and is currently accepting new member applications for basketball, among other sports.
When choosing a chapter in your area, you may want to consider the North Texas Basketball Officials Association (NTBOA). The NTBOA officiates high school and middle school basketball games across North Texas and prides itself on its thorough education, training, and passion for the game.
Another option to consider is the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA). This organisation is the overarching governing body for all high school basketball officials in the state of Texas. The THSBOA aims to aid in the education and development of officials through local chapters, improve communication between governing bodies, and problem-solve among officials.
You can also check out the TASO Basketball Laredo Chapter, which was recently approved by the UIL Sports Officials Committee (SOC).
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Eligibility requirements
To become a basketball referee in Texas, there are several eligibility requirements that must be met. Here are the detailed instructions:
Firstly, age requirements are crucial. To officiate varsity-level basketball games, you must be at least 18 years old. However, it is possible to get certified and work lower-level games at the age of 16. This age requirement is specific to basketball, and other sports may have different age criteria.
Secondly, registration is essential. You must register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO) and select a chapter in your area during the registration process. The TASO provides officials for public and private school athletic events. Keep in mind that registration periods may vary, so check the TASO website for open registration windows.
Additionally, for UIL member schools, registration with the UIL and a local chapter is mandatory. The UIL Sports Officials Committee (SOC) plays a crucial role in approving chapters, such as the TASO Basketball Laredo Chapter. The THSBOA, which originated from the UIL, now operates as an independent non-profit organization due to a state law passed in 2012. Despite this change, THSBOA members must still register with the UIL and meet the criteria developed in partnership with them.
Moreover, criminal background checks are required by state law. As part of the registration process, all applicants must submit information and agree to a criminal background check. Certain felonies may automatically disqualify an applicant, while misdemeanors generally do not prohibit membership. The THSBOA reviews each case individually and has the discretion to make decisions based on the specific circumstances.
By fulfilling these eligibility requirements, you can take the necessary steps towards becoming a certified basketball referee in Texas. Remember to stay informed about any updates or changes to these requirements by regularly checking the relevant websites and staying in contact with the appropriate organizations.
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Criminal background check
To become a basketball referee in Texas, you must first register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO). TASO provides sports officials for public and private school athletic events. As part of the registration process, you will be required to select a chapter in your area.
TASO will conduct a criminal history background check on all persons who apply to become a referee. 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 during your application. This includes deferred adjudications.
The criminal history background check will involve submitting a completed Criminal History Questionnaire alongside your application materials. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will review criminal convictions on a case-by-case basis. Licenses to become a referee may be denied based on the nature of the conviction and how long prior to the application the conviction occurred.
The background check may also include information relating to your driving and/or motor vehicle records, education or employment history, or other background checks.
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Benefits of officiating
To become a basketball referee in Texas, you must register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO). The benefits of officiating basketball games include:
Physical Activity
Basketball officiating is a great way to stay physically active, as officials are constantly moving during the game, running between 1 and 4 miles. This can be a fun way to stay fit and healthy while also being involved in the sport.
Flexibility
Basketball games take place nearly year-round, allowing officials the flexibility to work around their schedule. Games can be officiated at the school, club, AAU, or amateur level, providing a reliable source of income with the potential for higher earnings compared to other sports.
Personal Development
Officiating helps develop important skills such as decision-making, conflict resolution, and people management. Officials need to be able to handle criticism and adjust their positions constantly to maintain focus and ignore distractions. These skills can be transferred to other areas of life, helping individuals grow both personally and professionally.
Social Interaction
Officiating provides a unique opportunity to meet a diverse range of people, from players and coaches to fans and other officials. This social aspect can enhance the overall enjoyment of the role and lead to the formation of new connections and friendships.
Life Lessons
Basketball officiating teaches valuable life lessons about sportsmanship and accepting outcomes. Officials learn to deal with difficult situations and crowds, understanding that life is not always about winning or losing, but about doing one's best and constantly striving to improve.
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Frequently asked questions
You must be 18 years old to referee varsity-level basketball. However, you can be certified to work lower-level games at 16. You must register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO) and select a chapter in your area. You will also need to register with the UIL and meet their criteria.
Officiating can be a part-time "side hustle" that offers extra income. It's a fun way to stay active and fit, and it's an opportunity to give back to your community by providing a stage for young athletes to perform.
You must register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO) and select a local chapter. You will also need to register with the UIL and the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA).
