Amanda Knapp
Basketball officiating is a great way to stay active and closely involved with the game. It requires a good understanding of the rules and the ability to move around the court to different positions. To become a referee, you'll need to register with your local basketball referee association and complete the necessary training and testing. This may include written tests, online modules, lectures, demonstrations, and exercises. You'll also need to invest in the proper referee attire and equipment, such as a referee shirt, black shorts or pants, whistles, and something to keep track of jump balls. Once certified, you can officiate AAU basketball and amateur contests nearly year-round, earning a reliable income while staying active and engaged with the sport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Referee training and certification | Done on a state-by-state basis |
| Referee attire | Black shorts or pants, black socks, black beltless slacks, a striped V-neck shirt with no collar, polished black athletic shoes |
| Referee equipment | Whistle, something to keep in your pocket or on your wrist to keep track of jump balls |
| Referee hand signals | Yes, positioning is very important. The basics are that the person who does not throw up the opening tip goes to the baseline for whichever team ends up with possession and they are the "lead" and the person who threw the opening tip is the "trail". |
| Referee associations | AAU, IAABO, THSBOA, NTBOA, NYSACFO, NYSBUA |
| Referee pay | Game fees range from $20-$35 for youth games and $45-$150 for competitive high school games. College officials make more, and game fees increase with the level of competition. |
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What You'll Learn
Referee training and certification
To become a basketball referee, you must complete training and obtain certification. The requirements for basketball referee training and certification vary depending on your location, as the process is handled individually by each state.
In some states, the entire process can be completed online. This typically involves submitting an application, paying a registration fee, studying the provided materials, and taking an online test to demonstrate your understanding of the rules. Other states require you to register with a local association or chapter, where you will receive in-person training and testing from experienced basketball officials in your area. These veteran officials will teach you both the written and unwritten rules of basketball, preparing you for your new role.
To find the specific requirements for your state, you should visit the website that handles high school sports in your state or use search terms like “referee assigner in [your state]” or “ [your state] basketball referee association.” These websites and organizations will provide you with the necessary information and resources to begin your referee training and certification journey.
Additionally, you can enhance your skills by joining a local officials' association, which often offers lectures, demonstrations, and exercises to prepare you for the challenges you'll face as a referee. You can also refer to rulebooks and manuals from the Referee Training Center to familiarize yourself with the rules and positions on the court.
Remember, basketball officiating requires constant activity and close involvement with the game. It can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to stay active and engage with a diverse range of people. With dedication and a willingness to learn, you'll be well on your way to becoming a certified basketball referee.
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Referee positioning
To referee AAU basketball, you must be constantly active and closely involved with the game. You will need to move to different positions around the court and adjust your position to see the action as player positions shift. There are no opportunities for rest while the game is ongoing.
Basketball referees need to have good positioning. One of the best positions from which to work is from the free-throw line extended to the free-throw line extended, opposite the scorer's table. As the ball goes toward the opposite sideline, you will have to move off the sideline toward the center of the floor. While sometimes it is necessary to cover a player near the baseline, the "seeing through" principle may offer better total officiating positioning.
When administering free throws, start from a baseline position. Notice the initial placement of the shooter's feet, but then focus your attention on the non-shooters, particularly when a miss or rebound occurs. By remaining in the middle of the floor (approximately the center circle), your peripheral vision should enable you to observe the players better.
When officiating alone, it is impossible to see everything. So, don't guess. See it, then blow the whistle. Remember, coaches must control their emotions. Do not argue with them or let them make you feel guilty about not being able to see everything.
To prepare for refereeing, you can train yourself with rulebooks and manuals from the Referee Training Center, but you should also join a local officials association where you can expect lectures, demonstrations, and exercises that will prepare you for what you’ll face. Different organizations have different requirements, but most require at least attendance at a meeting to go over any current rule changes.
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Referee attire
As a basketball referee, your attire is an important part of your uniform and helps you to be easily recognised. You will need to be comfortable as refereeing is a physical activity, so choosing the right clothing and footwear is essential.
You should opt for clothing that keeps you cool and comfortable, especially as the game heats up. Shirts made with "moisture-wicking" fabrics are a good option, and you can also look for those with mesh side panels for ventilation. You will also need a pair of black shorts or pants, depending on your preference. You can choose from athletic or tapered styles, and decide if you want pleated or flat-front trousers.
Footwear is also an important consideration. You will need to move up and down the court quickly, so a good pair of referee shoes is essential. You can also choose from a range of jackets to complete your outfit, and of course, don't forget your whistle!
You can find referee attire at various online stores, which offer a range of clothing and gear for basketball referees.
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Game fees
For youth games, game fees can range from $20 to $35, while competitive high school games can offer higher fees ranging from $45 to $150. Referees can maximize their income by working a combination of levels and taking on weekend tournaments, where they can work games throughout the day. AAU basketball also offers the opportunity to work year-round, providing a reliable income stream.
It is worth noting that officiating AAU basketball may require additional costs for travel and accommodations, especially for tournaments or events outside of your local area. These costs can add up, so it is important to consider them when budgeting and planning your refereeing schedule.
To become an AAU basketball referee, you will need to undergo training and certification, which is typically handled on a state-by-state basis. Some states provide online training and testing, while others require registration with a local association for in-person training and evaluation. Veteran officials will guide you through the written and unwritten rules of the game, ensuring you are well-prepared for your role as a referee.
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Referee associations
The first step to becoming a basketball referee is to join a local officiating association. This is because basketball referee training and certification are done on a state-by-state basis. Referee associations will provide you with lectures, demonstrations, and exercises that will prepare you for what you'll face on the court. They will also provide you with the gear you need to officiate a basketball game.
Different organizations have different requirements, but most require at least attendance at a meeting to go over any current rule changes. Additional requirements may include a written test with a minimum passing score, payment of fees for the upcoming season, and association meeting attendance.
You can find your local referee association by searching for your state athletic or activities association. Some states provide all of the training and testing online, in which case you will be asked to complete an application and submit a registration payment before you can proceed. After that, you will be provided with study materials and instructions on how to take an online test to demonstrate your understanding of the rules.
In other states, you will register with a local association or chapter where you will receive individual training and testing from veteran basketball officials within your area. These veteran officials will instruct you on the written and unwritten rules of basketball as they prepare you to move forward as a referee.
You can also try contacting your state high school league, as they might be able to put you in touch with a referee assigner in your area.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step to becoming a referee is to register with your local basketball referee association. You will then need to complete training and pass a written rules test to become certified. Training and certification are done on a state-by-state basis, so be sure to check the specific requirements for your state.
To become a referee, you must be in good physical shape and be able to move to different positions around the court. You will also need to have a good understanding of the rules of the game and how to apply them in-game situations.
The uniform for basketball referees usually consists of a referee shirt, black shorts or pants, black socks, black athletic shoes, and a beltless striped V-neck shirt with no collar.
It is important to learn the hand signals for different calls and to understand the positioning in relation to the other referee. You should also be prepared to deal with difficult players, fans, and coaches and remember that anytime a player yells "AND ONE!", a foul has been committed.
