
If you're passionate about basketball and want to become a high school referee in Tennessee, there are a few steps you need to take. It's important to note that sports officials are independent contractors who enter into agreements with schools to officiate games. The first step is to read through the TSSAA Regulations for Registered Officials and identify the officials' association that aligns with the sport and geographic area you want to officiate in. Each association provides support and resources to help new officials get started. You will also need to pass a background check that adheres to Tennessee state law. Registration for officiating is typically open annually from June 1st. By becoming a high school referee, you will play a crucial role in protecting the integrity of the game and helping teenagers learn valuable life lessons.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Registration | Registration opens on June 1 of each year |
| Registration is done through the TSSAA website | |
| Must be done before attempting registration: Read the Regulations for Officials | |
| Review the Officials Associations so you will know which association to join | |
| You are required to choose only one local association during the online registration process | |
| All officials must pass a background check | |
| Criteria for this background check adheres to Tennessee state law | |
| Failure to pass the background check, based on state law, cannot be appealed and registration payment will not be refunded | |
| Payment | Pay for officials working regular-season varsity contests is set by the TSSAA Board of Control for competitive reasons |
| Fees for junior varsity, B-Team, freshman and middle school fees are not set by TSSAA and are negotiable with the local officials' association | |
| You can see a chart outlining the fee structure on the TSSAA website | |
| Other | Sports officials are independent contractors that enter into agreements to officiate contests at all levels of competition |
| Contracts are normally between the official and the school hosting the contest |
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What You'll Learn

Register with TSSAA and your local officials' association
To register with the TSSAA and your local officials' association, you must first review the Regulations for Registered Officials and the local Officials Associations. This is important as it will help you identify the association that serves the sport and geographic area you wish to officiate in. Each local association has supervisors who will answer any questions you may have and help you find the right fit.
You must then register with the TSSAA and your chosen local officials' association. Both use an online registration system provided by ArbiterSports, which opens on June 1 each year. During the registration process, you are required to choose only one local association. If you wish to be a member of more than one local association, you must contact the state office for approval.
It is also important to note that all officials must pass a background check, the criteria for which adhere to Tennessee state law. Failure to pass this background check will result in registration denial, and the payment will not be refunded.
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Pass a background check
To become a high school basketball referee in Tennessee, you must pass a background check. This is a legal requirement for the system and adheres to Tennessee state law. The background check costs an additional $30, which you will pay directly through the assignment. Your results will be valid for 2 years. If you have completed a background check for a previous registration year, you do not need to complete a new one. You will receive email updates from US Soccer when you need to renew your background check.
To complete the background check, you will be directed to the US Soccer Learning Center. It can take 5-10 business days for your results to come back, and you must have these results to attend the course. The background check will ask if you have ever been convicted of a felony, violent crime, crime against a person, or fraud.
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Understand the fee structure
To become a high school basketball referee in Tennessee, you must understand the fee structure for officiating contests. Sports officials are independent contractors who enter into agreements with schools to officiate games. The pay for officials working on regular-season varsity contests is set by the TSSAA (Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association) Board of Control. The TSSAA website provides a chart that outlines the fee structure for these varsity contests.
It's important to note that fees for junior varsity, B-team, freshman, and middle school games are not determined by TSSAA. Instead, these fees are negotiable with the local officials' association. Each sport and geographic area is served by a specific officials' association, and supervisors within these associations can provide guidance and answer any questions regarding fee structures.
Before registering as an official, it is essential to review the Regulations for Registered Officials and identify the relevant officials' association. This ensures a clear understanding of the fee structure and payment expectations. The TSSAA and all officials' associations use an online system from ArbiterSports for registration and official assignments. Registration typically opens on June 1 of each year, and all officials must pass a background check adhering to Tennessee state law.
While the specific fee structure for high school basketball referees in Tennessee may not be publicly available, understanding the payment process and the role of the TSSAA and local officials' associations is crucial. The fee structure is likely influenced by factors such as the level of competition (varsity, junior varsity, etc.), the number of games officiated, and the geographic area served. By reviewing the information provided by TSSAA and connecting with the relevant officials' association, individuals can gain a comprehensive understanding of the fee structure and their potential earnings as high school basketball referees in Tennessee.
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Develop qualities like honesty and objectivity
To become a high school basketball referee in Tennessee, you'll need to register with the TSSAA (Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association). This process involves reading and understanding the TSSAA Regulations for Registered Officials, choosing and joining a local officials' association, and passing a background check.
Now, let's delve into the qualities you should develop, such as honesty and objectivity, to excel as a high school basketball referee in Tennessee:
Develop Honesty and Objectivity
Honesty and objectivity are integral qualities for any referee, as they uphold the integrity of the game and set a moral standard for the players, especially teenagers who are impressionable and learning important life lessons. Here are some ways to cultivate these qualities:
- Honesty: Be truthful and transparent in your decision-making. Call fouls and violations as you see them, without bias or favoritism. If you make a mistake, own up to it and correct it if possible. Your honesty will help build trust with players, coaches, and spectators, ensuring they respect your authority.
- Objectivity: Strive for impartiality and fairness in your officiating. Treat all players, coaches, and teams equally, regardless of personal feelings or external pressures. Base your decisions solely on the facts and rules of the game, ensuring consistency in your calls throughout the match. This objectivity will foster a perception of fairness and help maintain the game's integrity.
- Courage: Being honest and objective might sometimes put you in difficult situations. You may need to make unpopular calls or stand up to pressure from coaches or players. Courage will enable you to remain steadfast in your honest and objective decisions, even in the face of opposition or criticism.
- Consistency: Consistency in your officiating demonstrates your commitment to honesty and objectivity. It means applying the rules uniformly throughout the game, ensuring that similar situations are treated in the same manner. This consistency will help players and coaches understand your officiating style and promote a perception of fairness.
- Common Sense: Use your discretion and common sense when applying the rules. Not every situation will be explicitly covered by the rulebook, and you may need to make judgment calls. By using common sense, you can ensure that your decisions are reasonable, practical, and in the best interest of fair play.
Remember, developing these qualities will not only make you a better referee but will also help you serve as a positive role model for the players and contribute to their overall development as individuals.
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Attend meetings and evaluations
To become a high school basketball referee in Tennessee, you must register with the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA). The TSSAA is responsible for hiring officials for state championship tournaments, and its member schools only hire officials registered with the association for their contests. Local associations of officials are formed for education, training, and to secure officials for contests. These local associations conduct evaluations and schedule regular meetings to develop new and veteran officials.
As part of your journey to becoming a referee, you should expect to attend meetings and evaluations. These are crucial for your growth and development as an official. Each local association conducts evaluations and schedules regular meetings to ensure that both new and experienced officials are continually learning and improving. By attending these sessions, you will receive valuable feedback and guidance to refine your skills and knowledge.
At the meetings, you will have the opportunity to interact with fellow referees, exchange ideas, and gain insights from their experiences. These gatherings are designed to foster a sense of community and support among officials, allowing you to build a network of like-minded individuals who share your passion for the sport. You will also be updated on any rule changes, interpretations, and clarifications, ensuring that you stay current with the latest guidelines governing the game.
Evaluations are an integral part of your development as a referee. These assessments provide an opportunity for more experienced officials or evaluators to observe your performance and offer constructive feedback. They will assess your understanding of the rules, your decision-making abilities, and your overall presence on the court. Through these evaluations, you can identify areas for improvement and set specific goals for yourself, ensuring that you continue to grow and refine your officiating skills.
Both the meetings and evaluations are designed to enhance your capabilities as a referee and promote consistency in officiating across Tennessee. By actively participating in these sessions, you will not only improve your own skills but also contribute to the overall quality and fairness of the game at the high school level. Remember that officiating is a continuous learning process, and by embracing these opportunities for growth, you will be better equipped to handle the challenges that arise on the court.
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Frequently asked questions
A good high school referee demonstrates honesty, objectivity, consistency, courage, and common sense. They uphold the integrity of the game and help teenagers learn valuable life lessons.
To register as a high school basketball referee in Tennessee, you must first read the TSSAA Regulations for Registered Officials. Next, identify the officials' association that serves the geographic area you wish to officiate in. You will need to pass a background check and then you can register online through ArbiterSports. Registration opens on June 1st of each year.
Being a referee allows you to stay involved in the sport you love and be a part of a passionate community. It offers the opportunity to influence and shape the lives of young people.
To become a referee in Tennessee, you must be an independent contractor and enter into agreements with schools to officiate contests. You will need to register with TSSAA and the local officials' association in your area.










































