This may be an unpopular opinion alert, but professional referees have a really tough job. Players, coaches, and fans will be critical of your performance almost nightly. Before our games, we notice the referees performing certain tasks that are required by the rules of the game. If there are extraordinary situations on the court that are not covered by the rules, the referees have the power to make decisions based on what they see fit. Leon Wood’s career in the NBA started in 1984, when he was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers. For the first time ever. Being a great referee depends more on one’s ability to quickly make good decisions and one’s experience in the field more than it does on one’s level of education in school. If you are interested in starting this journey, you can find information on referee training camps, . In most leagues, referees need to have a minimum of a high school diploma. 1. Monitor player’s health. If players are injured or cut throughout a game, the referee must have that player immediately removed from the game. Referees are in charge of ejections for both players and coaches and for calling unsportsmanlike conduct fouls. Aside from the players, no one is closer to the action than the referees, not even the coaching staff. Purchase the rulebook, learn the rules, and then watch games either live or on television to see the rules being enforced by other referees. You will need to be in top physical shape. If there are extraordinary situations on the court that are not covered by the rules, the referees have the power to make decisions based on what they see fit. For referees that referee at the high school level, the top referees can earn as much as $250 weekly on average. When we say equipment, we are talking about the court, the basketballs, the timing and scoring equipment, backboards, Etc. If you are interested in starting this journey, you can find information on referee training camps here. Or even how to become an NBA referee? “There are only 70 NBA referees and the process to become one can take years. These will enhance your resume and show that you have the required skills. Before the start of the game, referees needed to ensure that the equipment that will be used in the game is inspected and is in-game condition. How to Become an NBA Referee. Have you ever officiated a game at any level? Zach Zarba is a 15-year NBA referee. In the NBA, this is called elastic power. Wouldn’t you like to know how to become a basketball referee? Networking can help you to find those jobs in high school and even college ball. If you would like to learn more about what it is like to become an NBA referee and what you can do to prepare for this career take a look at this video called “What It Takes To Be An NBA Referee”. Surely you can agree that one of the most essential jobs in basketball is that of a referee. The referees are also responsible for checking the players before the game. The referee has a vital job of ensuring the ball is in the right team’s possession after calls or violations are made. In the history of the NBA, only three players decided to become a referee after their active career. NBA Summer League officials wear the same light grey shirt but with a black collar. by saw pan. The referee and the umpire have similar responsibilities in terms of making calls in their area of the court. If you’re like me and watch a lot of basketball, you probably feel like you know the game pretty well. The pressure is underestimated — you know, it’s taken for granted sometimes. They also need to make sure that all the gear being worn by players are approved by the leagues in which they play. If you’re lucky enough to be selected for a coveted play-off job, it could be longer. The NBA has experimented with four-referee crews during select D-League games this season, all involving the Long Island Nets, and five-person crews in other D-League games. Start small. What a deal! No matter what level of games you are working at, always try and be at the top of your game. Your email address will not be published. It’s really only as hard as you make it. When you go to teaching camps, you should do these things: be a sponge, be yourself, be a good person, show effort and urgency when working, and take this lesson – you have two eyes, two ears, and one mouth… listen and watch … Check out other basketball gear reviews here: Hoops Addict was created to help basketball fans of all ages learn more about the sport and find the best basketball gear to improve their ability to hoop. It is the job of the referees to ensure that the players and coaches behave with ethical sportsmanlike conduct throughout the game or penalize those who do not. 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