Amanda Knapp
If you're looking to become a youth basketball referee in Texas, there are a few different pathways you can take. One option is to register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO), which provides officials for public and private school athletic events across the state. You'll need to be at least 16 years old to officiate lower-level games and 18 years old to work at the varsity level. Another option is to get certified through the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS), which offers programs for youth sports leaders, volunteers, and parents. You can also look into local organizations like the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA) or the North Texas Basketball Officials Association (NTBOA), which oversee officiating for high school and middle school basketball games in their respective regions. To get started, reach out to your local basketball referee association or state high school league to find a referee assigner in your area who can provide you with training and get you connected to the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Texas |
| Age | 16 to officiate lower-level games, 18 for varsity level |
| Associations | Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO), Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA), National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) |
| Training | On-site or online training, rule books, classroom instruction, on-court training, game assignments, Safe Sport training, referee certification quiz |
| Costs | $20 for the first year, $15 annual renewal fee, $50 TASO application fee, $23 for a U.S. Soccer background check, $65 for the First-Time Referee Course |
| Benefits | Financial incentives, $2 million in excess liability insurance, $250,000 in excess accident medical coverage |
| Requirements | Criminal background check, physical fitness |
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What You'll Learn
Register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO)
To become a basketball referee for youth in Texas, one must first register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO). TASO provides sports officials for public school and private school athletic events. The application can be completed online. However, registration is not always open, so it is important to check the website for the registration period. Once the registration closes, you will have to wait until the next period to apply.
There is an age requirement to become a referee. For basketball, you must be 18 years old to work at the varsity level. However, you can be certified to work lower-level games at the age of 16. This is a similar requirement to baseball, where you can join at 16 as an auxiliary member to work lower-level games.
During the registration process, you will be asked to select a chapter in your area. Your 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, along with yearly dues. The entry fee generally covers the cost of rule books, study material, and instructional clinics.
To apply for TASO, first select the sport you wish to officiate. Each sport opens applications early in the first month listed and closes them around the second month. If you’re a first-time official with TASO, you can watch a helpful FAQ video. After watching the video, you can start your application. The process includes paying a $50 application fee, undergoing a criminal history report, and completing training, which involves rule and case books, classroom instruction, on-field/court training, and game assignments. Costs vary depending on the sport.
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Complete TASO training
To become a basketball referee for youth sports in Texas, you must register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO). TASO is one of the largest professional organizations for sports officials in the country, with over 16,000 members and 160 local chapters across Texas.
TASO provides sports officials for public and private school athletic events. The registration process can be completed online, and you must be at least 16 years old to be certified to work lower-level games and 18 years old to work at the varsity level. During registration, you will be asked to select a chapter in your area.
TASO training involves rule and case books, classroom instruction, on-court training, and game assignments. The training will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to officiate basketball games for youth in Texas. It will cover the rules and regulations specific to youth basketball in Texas, as well as the hand signals and positioning techniques essential for effective refereeing.
Completing TASO training is a comprehensive process that will prepare you to handle the responsibilities and challenges of being a basketball referee. It will cover various aspects of officiating, ensuring that you are well-equipped to make informed decisions during games and create a fair and safe environment for young athletes.
Additionally, TASO works closely with various organizations, such as the University Interscholastic League (UIL) and the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association, to uphold the integrity and safety of athletic competitions for Texas high school and middle school student-athletes. By completing TASO training, you will become a part of this network, contributing to the development and well-being of young basketball players across the state.
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Pass a criminal background check
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 required to undergo a criminal background check. This is a necessary step to ensure the safety and protection of the young athletes and to maintain the legitimacy of the role.
The criminal background check will involve a comprehensive review of your criminal history, if any. This includes any convictions, whether felonies or misdemeanours, as well as any pleas of guilty or no contest. It is important to be transparent and disclose any prior criminal records during the application process.
If you do have a criminal record, you may be required to provide additional information or documentation. The reviewing authority will consider the nature of your conviction and the time that has passed since it occurred. Each case will be assessed individually, and the presence of a criminal record may not necessarily disqualify you from becoming a referee. However, it is essential to provide honest and complete information to facilitate a smooth application process.
To initiate the background check, you may need to submit a Criminal History Questionnaire along with your application materials. This questionnaire will request detailed information about your criminal history, allowing the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough assessment. The questionnaire, along with the other application components, will be evaluated to determine your eligibility to become a youth basketball referee in Texas.
It is important to note that the requirements and procedures may vary slightly depending on the specific region or association within Texas. Some areas may have additional criteria or steps in their background check process. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to the official sources and guidelines provided by the relevant authorities, such as the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA) or the local chapters of the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO).
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Get certified through the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS)
To become a youth basketball referee in Texas, one option is to get certified through the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS). NAYS is a non-profit organization that offers various programs for children and officials, including Start Smart, Ready, Set, RUN, and Hook A Kid On Golf.
The NAYS Academy for Youth Sports Administrators is a 20-hour certification program that covers topics such as youth sports philosophy, mission statements, policies and procedures, volunteer management, child abuse, conflict management, and inclusion of children with disabilities. The academy can be completed on-site or online, and it is the only way to earn Certified Youth Sports Administrator credentials (CYSA).
NAYS also offers the Officials Training & Membership program, which is designed for volunteer game officials to better understand their roles and responsibilities when officiating youth sports. To become a member, officials must participate in an interactive video, successfully complete an exam, and sign a pledge committing to uphold the NAYS Code.
In addition to these specific programs, NAYS provides a variety of other membership/education programs to train and prepare adults for their roles and responsibilities in youth sports. For example, the NAYS Coach Training & Membership program has educated more than 3 million coaches since 1981, and it is offered by more than 3,000 community-based organizations. To become a member, coaches must participate in an interactive video, complete an exam, and sign a pledge committing to uphold the NAYS Code of Ethics for Coaches.
NAYS is committed to educating, equipping, and empowering youth sports leaders, volunteers, and parents so that all children can enjoy the lifelong benefits of sports. The organization has trained more than four million coaches, parents, officials, and administrators since its inception in 1981. NAYS believes that participation in sports and physical activities is important for the emotional, physical, social, and mental development of youth and can positively impact their lives if the adults involved have proper training and information.
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Join a local chapter
To become a referee for youth basketball in Texas, you must register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO). TASO is one of the largest professional organisations for sports officials in the country, with over 160 local chapters and 16,000 members. It provides sports officials for public and private school athletic events.
During the registration process, you will be asked to select a chapter in your area. Local chapters provide training and support for officials in their region. For example, basketball officials in Cypress and League City are selected from members of CFSA, and Houston basketball officials work through TASO.
If you live in the Houston or Katy area, you must complete the TASO training program. The cost for the first year is $20, with an annual renewal fee of $15. The process includes paying a $50 application fee, undergoing a criminal history report, and completing training, which involves rule and case books, classroom instruction, on-court training, and game assignments.
Alternatively, you can become certified through the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS). NAYS is a nationwide organisation that oversees more than 3,000 youth sports organisations. You can complete the training online or attend on-site training hosted by a local NAYS member organisation. After completing NAYS training, you qualify for an annual membership that includes $2 million in excess liability insurance and an additional $250,000 in excess accident medical coverage.
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Frequently asked questions
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 need to register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO) and select basketball as the sport you wish to officiate. You will also need to pay a $50 application fee, undergo a criminal history report, and complete training.
Training includes learning the rules and case books, classroom instruction, on-court training, and game assignments. It is important to also learn the hand signals for different calls.
Officiating can be a good way to stay active and fit, as well as connected to the game and your community. It can also provide financial incentives and be a good "side hustle".
Yes, you can also become a referee through the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS). This is a nationwide organisation that educates, equips, and empowers youth sports leaders, volunteers, and parents. The cost for the first year is $20, with an annual renewal fee of $15.
