How to Become a Basketball Referee in Central Florida: Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a basketball referee in Central Florida is a great way to stay involved in the game, earn money, and develop leadership skills. Whether you’re looking to officiate youth games, high school matchups, or competitive leagues, getting started is easier than you think.

If you’re ready to begin your officiating journey, Primary Coverage Officiating (PCO) provides training, certification support, and game assignments.

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Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

Before starting the certification process, ensure you meet the following criteria:

• Minimum Age: 16 years old (some youth leagues may allow 14- or 15-year-olds).
• Physical Fitness: Ability to move quickly and keep up with fast-paced play.
• Basic Knowledge of Basketball Rules: While not required, understanding the game will be beneficial during training.

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Step 2: Register with the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA)

To officiate basketball games in Central Florida, you must become a certified referee through the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), which oversees officiating for high school and competitive leagues.

How to Register:

1. Visit the FHSAA website and complete the online registration process.
2. Select Basketball as Your Sport when choosing officiating categories.
3. Pay the Registration Fee, which varies depending on the level of certification.

Once registered, you’ll gain access to training materials and officiating resources.

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Step 3: Complete Officiating Training

New referees must complete training that includes:

• Online Rules & Mechanics Course: Covers the official NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) and NCAA rulebooks.
• In-Person Training Clinics: Hands-on instruction covering positioning, signaling, and mechanics.
• Game Management & Communication Training: Helps referees learn how to interact with players and coaches while maintaining control of the game.

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Step 4: Pass the Certification Exam

To become fully certified, referees must pass:

✅ Rules Exam: Tests knowledge of the official basketball rulebook.
✅ Mechanics Exam: Evaluates positioning, signals, and decision-making on the court.

Once you pass these exams, you’ll be officially certified and eligible to officiate games.

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Step 5: Get Your Referee Gear

Before stepping onto the court, you’ll need to purchase:

• Black-and-white striped referee shirt
• Black pants or shorts
• Whistle with a lanyard
• Black sneakers with good grip
• Game watch and possession arrow indicator

Proper gear ensures professionalism and consistency in officiating.

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Step 6: Get Assigned to Games in Central Florida

After becoming certified, it’s time to start refereeing. Primary Coverage Officiating (PCO) helps new referees get assigned to games at all levels.

To get started:

• Connect with Primary Coverage Officiating for game assignments.
• Register for youth and high school leagues to gain experience.
• Attend ongoing training sessions to improve your officiating skills.

With numerous leagues and tournaments in Central Florida, referees can find consistent work and develop their officiating careers.

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Step 7: Gain Experience & Advance to Higher Levels

As you gain more experience, you can move up to officiate higher-level basketball games, including:

• High school varsity games
• College basketball (NAIA, NCAA)
• Semi-professional and professional leagues

With continued training and commitment, referees can work their way up to officiating competitive and high-profile games.

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Why Become a Basketball Referee in Central Florida?

✅ Earn competitive pay while officiating basketball games
✅ Flexible scheduling with evening and weekend games
✅ Stay active and connected to Central Florida’s basketball community
✅ Develop leadership, decision-making, and communication skills

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Ready to Get Started?

Becoming a basketball referee in Central Florida is a great way to earn money while staying involved in the game. If you're ready to take the next step, Primary Coverage Officiating (PCO) is here to help with training, certification, and game assignments.

Contact Primary Coverage Officiating today to begin your journey as a basketball referee!