Becoming a USA Basketball certified official is the first step in becoming an international (FIBA) certified official. The application and renewal processes are listed below. The USA Basketball Officials application process for the 2008-09 season will clo

2012-13 USA Basketball Officials Program

Becoming a USA Basketball certified official is the first step in becoming a FIBA certified official. The application and renewal processes are outlined below. The USA Basketball Officials application process for the 2013 Season will close on December 14, 2012. If you are unable to open any of the attachments, please notify USA Basketball via email at abrown@usabasketball.com or call the USA Basketball office at 719-590-4800. (Please include your mailing address in the e-mail)

Necessary Forms (all are in Adobe PDF format):

PROCESS FOR BECOMING A USA BASKETBALL CERTIFIED OFFICIAL
The certification process for USA Basketball officials begins on October 19, 2012. The deadline for receipt of the application, written exam, and supporting materials is December 14, 2012.

1.	The following eligibility criteria must be met to become a USA Basketball official:
	a.	You must be an active basketball official with a minimum of three (3) years officiating experience at some level.
	b.	You must be a member of one or more officiating associations for the last three (3) years (e.g. IAABO, collegiate conferences, NFSHSA, state associations, etc.).
2.	The following must be submitted to USA Basketball by December 14, 2012:
	a.	USA Basketball Officials Application Form
	b.	Application fee in the amount of $50.
		i.	Check should be made payable to USA Basketball or use credit card option at bottom of application. There is a $25 fee for all returned checks.
	c.	Photocopy of original birth certificate
	d.	USA Basketball Physical Examination Form
		i.	Physical must have been completed within last six [6] months
		ii.	Conference physical examination forms and others will be accepted.
	e.	Head and shoulder photographs (like those used for passports). JPEG files are preferred and can be emailed. If JPEG files are not available, 2 identical passport photos can be sent by mail.
		i.	Photos should be no larger than 1-3/4" by 2"
		ii.	Photographs must be originals, and must be head shots; copies and Polaroid photos are not acceptable.
		iii.	Name should be lightly written on the back of each photograph.
	f.	Schedule of assignments for current officiating season.
		i.	If current schedule is not available at the time of application, include a note stating when USA Basketball can expect to receive a copy (must be received by December 14th deadline)
	g.	Three (3) or more Letters of Recommendation
		i.	Mailed to USA Basketball on behalf of applicant or attached to the application.
		ii.	At least one of these letters must be from a person responsible for the assignment of games on most recent officiating schedule.
			a. Must also be received by December 14th deadline.
	h.	The USA Basketball / FIBA Rules Examination
		i.	Completed and signed
		ii.	Passing grade on the examination is eighty percent (80%)
		iii.	Graded exams will not be returned to the applicant.

Successful applicants will receive their USA Basketball Officials license with their assigned number by mail. This license is valid for one year and will expire on December 31, 2013.

PLEASE NOTE:

Applicants who fail to return all of the required paperwork by the posted deadline, or who do not pass the test will not be permitted to re-apply until the following year.
All USA Basketball officials must renew their license yearly
Certification as a USA Basketball official does not guarantee officiating assignments. Assignments are made by various tour sponsors, schools involved in the scheduled games or the assignment bureau that normally assigns officials for regular season games. USA Basketball only assigns officials to games and events under its direct sponsorship.

PROCESS FOR RENEWING A USA BASKETBALL OFFICIALS LICENSE
To remain certified, all USA Basketball officials must renew their license yearly. The renewal process begins October 19, 2012. The deadline for receipt of the application and required materials is December 14, 2012.

1.	The following must be submitted to USA Basketball:
	a.	USA Basketball Officials renewal form
	b.	Renewal fee in the amount of $50.
		i.	Check should be made payable to USA Basketball or use credit card option at bottom of application. There is a $25 fee for all returned checks.
	c.	USA Basketball physical examination form
		i.	Physical completed within last six [6] months.
		ii.	Conference physical examination forms and others will be accepted.
	d.	Schedule of assignments for current officiating season.
		i.	If current schedule is not available at the time of application, include a note stating when USA Basketball can expect to receive a copy.
2.	Once every four (4) years ( following the FIBA World Congress), the following also must be submitted:
	a.	New photos for your license. Photos should be:
		i.	Two (2) identical head and shoulder photographs or a JPEG image by email
		ii.	No larger than 1-3/4" by 2"
		iii.	Photographs must be originals; copies and Polaroid photos are not acceptable.
		iv.	Name should be lightly written on the back of each photograph.
	b.	The USA Basketball / FIBA Rules Examination
		i.	Completed and signed.
		ii.	Passing grade on the examination is eighty percent (80%).
		iii.	Graded exams will not be returned to the applicant

After the above procedures are completed, and, returned to USA Basketball all successful candidates will be mailed a renewal sticker valid until December 31, 2013.

PLEASE NOTE:

Certification as a USA Basketball official does not guarantee officiating assignments. Assignments are made by various tour sponsors, schools involved in the scheduled games or the assignment bureau that normally assigns officials for regular season games. USA Basketball only assigns officials to games and events under its direct sponsorship.

PROCESS FOR BECOMING A FIBA CERTIFIED OFFICIAL

1.	Eligibility criteria:
	a.	Citizen of the United States.
	b.	USA Basketball certified official.
	c.	Recommendation from USA Basketball Officials Committee.
		i.	Based on recommendations from the Officials Committee, officials will be invited to attend a FIBA Certification Clinic.
			1. Certification clinics are conducted in each zone.
	d.	Complete the following at a FIBA Certification Clinic:
		i.	Attend classroom seminars
		ii.	Participate in on-court instructions
		iii.	Successfully be evaluated officiating an international games
		iv.	Successfully complete the FIBA Physical Fitness Test
		v.	Receiving a passing grade on the FIBA Rules Test

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