How to Get Certified as a Basketball Referee in Central Florida: Full Guide

Becoming a certified basketball referee in Central Florida is the first step toward officiating games at the youth, high school, and competitive levels. Certification ensures referees understand the game’s rules, officiating mechanics, and how to manage a game effectively.

If you’re ready to get started, Primary Coverage Officiating (PCO) provides the training, certification support, and game assignments you need.

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Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

Before beginning the certification process, ensure you meet these basic requirements:

• Minimum Age: 16 years old (some youth leagues may allow 14- or 15-year-olds).
• Physical Fitness: Ability to move quickly and maintain focus throughout the game.
• Basic Basketball Knowledge: While not required, understanding the game’s rules will help 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 register with the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), which oversees officiating for high school and competitive basketball leagues.

How to Register:

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

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

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Step 3: Complete the Required Training

New referees must complete both online and in-person training to ensure they are prepared for real-game situations.

Training includes:

• Rules & Mechanics Training: Covers the official NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) and NCAA rulebooks.
• On-Court Training Sessions: Teaches proper positioning, signaling, and officiating mechanics.
• Game Management & Communication: Helps referees develop the confidence to handle players, coaches, and game flow.

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Step 4: Pass the Certification Exam

To finalize certification, referees must pass the following:

✅ Rules Exam: Tests knowledge of basketball laws, penalties, and officiating guidelines.
✅ Mechanics Exam: Evaluates a referee’s ability to position themselves and make the correct calls.

A passing score confirms your readiness to officiate games at different levels.

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Step 5: Get Your Referee Gear

Before working your first game, you will 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 officiating gear ensures professionalism and credibility on the court.

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Step 6: Get Assigned to Games in Central Florida

Once you are certified, Primary Coverage Officiating (PCO) will help connect you with officiating opportunities across different leagues.

To start working games:

• Join Primary Coverage Officiating for assignments.
• Sign up for youth and high school leagues.
• Stay updated on upcoming training and networking events.

With plenty of games available at different levels, new referees can quickly gain experience and increase their earnings.

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Step 7: Gain Experience & Advance to Higher Levels

As you officiate more games, you’ll have opportunities to move up to higher levels of basketball, including:

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

The more experience you gain, the more opportunities and higher pay you can earn.

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Why Get Certified as a Basketball Referee?

✅ 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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Get Certified & Start Officiating in Central Florida Today

Getting certified as a basketball referee in Central Florida is a simple process that opens the door to numerous officiating opportunities. Whether you're new to officiating or looking for more assignments, Primary Coverage Officiating (PCO) is here to help with training, certification, and game placements.

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