Want to Become an IAABO Official?
The way to become an IAABO Basketball Official has changed. IAABO University is the center for all Rules instruction for anyone looking to become a basketball referee.
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Training
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IAABO UNIVERSITY
The International Association of Approved Basketball Officials, IAABO
"IAABO is the premier basketball officiating organization in the world! The total cost for IAABOU is $110, which includes your first-year registration fees with IAABO. Once you've paid, you will be able to access the rules course immediately with the username and password you set up during registration. You can go through the material at your own pace. If you have any technical issues with the course platform, please contact Joe Gabriel at jgabriel@iaabo.org."
Visit the IAABO Univsersity Website - https://iaabou.org/
Path to Certification
Start with IAABO University and get prepared to take the IAABO Rules Exam On-Line.
Sign up with IAABO University
Go to https://iaabou.org/ and sign up for the classes designed to help you take and pass the IAABO Rules National Exam.
Pass the IAABO Rules Exam
A nationally administered, 50-question exam taken on-line.
Take and Pass the IAABO Mechanics Class
After passing the written exam, you will need to take the Mechanics Class to show you the signals and positioning you will need to pass your Floor Exam.
Buy your Uniform
You will need to order your IAABO striped shirt and the rest of the uniform. There are two recomended vendors, Purchase Officials Supply; https://purchaseofficials.com or
Blow Your Whistles; https://www.blowyourwhistles.com Your shoes need to be ALL BLACK.
Floor Testing
Conducted at high school and junior high scrimmages in November and early December. Most candidates take 3 to 6 floor tests until the Executive Board confirms you meet the minimum requirements.
Membership Vote
Once floor testing is complete, candidates are voted in by the membership — almost always a formality barring a felony record.
Get Assigned
Successful candidates have their names submitted to local assigners for sub-varsity consideration. IAABO does not assign games — assignments come from the members themselves. Get to know members of the Board and let them know you are looking referee some games.
Volunteer & Give Back
First-year officials volunteer for two games (scorer, timer, or ticket taker) at the Holiday Tournament, and will referee at The Special Olympics in early April.
Pay Your Dues
The payments to IAABO International go towards the infrastructure and cost of the on-line courses and materials. Your Board 95 dues will support the efforts and duties of the Local IAABO Board 95. First Year Dues are $100, due as soon as you work a real game
Staying Certified Each Season
Certification is not one-and-done. Here is what members must keep up with every year.
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Interpretation Meeting
Attend one of 13 statewide interpretation meetings before each season begins.
Business Meetings
Attend at least 3 of the 6 regular Board business meetings held each year.
Refresher Exam
Submit a take-home refresher exam.
An open-book review is provided at a business meeting, with pizza and refreshments.
Season Dues
The season concludes with a board banquet each April, where dues for the following season are due.
Significant Changes to the 2026–27 IAABO Manuals
A concentrated effort was made this year to compare the IAABO Officials Manuals with the NFHS Officials Manual and align the two publications, so every official learns the same floor mechanics, procedures, and signals, no matter what state they officiate in.
One Standard. One Message. Better Officials.
Read the full post on iaabo.org
