WHY SHOULD YOU BECOME A BASKETBALL OFFICIAL?
There’s an urgent need for sports officials across the country. Basketball’s popularity and participation levels for both boys and girls at the high school level are increasing and so is the need for qualified basketball officials. Most officials start out as athletes or sports fans or both. As an official, you won’t just be watching any more, you’ll be part of the game with the best view in the house. Maybe you want to stay engaged and a part of the game you loved to play or maybe you are looking get more engaged in the game your kids are playing. Either way, being an official gives you an unique appreciation for the game like nothing else can.
ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE
Every game - no matter the venue,
player abilities or teams - is a challenge. Nothing is mundane. It’s a rush to be in the moment and have to make the big decision. Great games, talented players and hair-raising moments will become commonplace in your life, and you’ll be right in the middle of them. Officiating provides goosebumps in spades. If you like adrenaline, you can get it here.
BECOME A LEADER
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Officiating teaches independent thinking and the ability to see the big picture - a skill that translates outside of officiating. It also requires the dedication, togetherness and ability to work as team that is important everywhere. Even if people don’t know you, many people associate officiating with trustworthiness, impartiality, dedication and integrity; all qualities that can open doors for you in other areas of life.
EARN EXTRA INCOME
There is no better part-time job or hobby for you to make extra money doing something you enjoy than through officiating. It’s the perfect opportunity for anyone from a high school student, to a parent to a retiree. Officials also have the opportunity to work weekend tournaments where multiple games can be worked consecutively to earn extra income.
WHERE DO YOU START?
In order to officiate at the high school level in Wisconsin or join WBOA, you will need to get licensed with the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA). It is easy to license online through the WIAA Website. Individuals in high school may apply for licensing through their athletic director and officiate contests up to and including the 9th grade level. High school students are classified as Limited/Restricted (L/R). After 2 years experience as a L/R official there is opportunity for advancement to L2 upon high school graduation with verification. The basic fee for each licensed official (no fees charged to high school students) is $35. A $15 sport fee is assessed for each sport for which you are licensed. Prior to each sport season for which you are licensed, you will receive rules books, case books and officials manuals (when published). You are required to watch the rules video and take the classification exam provided by the WIAA.
BECOME A WBOA MEMBER
It is highly recommended that you join an association. Membership to an association is beneficial in that it can help individuals receive mentoring, game assignments, additional training, etc. The Wisconsin Basketball Officials Association (WBOA) is a regional basketball association, based in southeast Wisconsin, approved by the WIAA.
WBOA MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) Membership
California Basketball Officials Association (CBOA) Partnership
Ref Quest Training
Annual Subscription to the
Exclusive NASO Edition of
REFEREE Magazine
Arbiter Sports Assigning System
In-Person Classroom Training -
includes CBOA books & videos
Assignment Opportunities
(5,000 + Games Each Year)
New Official Instruction
& Mentorship
Advisory Services
& Report Writing Review
EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS
