DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A BASKETBALL OFFICIAL?
REWARDING PROFESSION: Basketball officiating offers many rewards, but above all else, our members share a passion for the game. In the end, it is the passion that inspires our members to perform at their highest level of ability. For many, the reward may be financial, continued involvement with the sport you love, the feeling of camaraderie experienced as an chapter member, the satisfaction of performing a job well-done, and/or providing a positive role model to our youth.
EARNING POTENTIAL: Payment to officiate varies depending on the level of the game and number of games assigned. It may range from $40 -- $50 to officiate a JHS contest to $75 paid for a varsity game. Most assignments include two games. A flat, predetermined, travel fee is added to every assignment payment. It is based on the distance from the chapter midpoint to the school campus. The minimum travel fee is $20 but may increase to $35 or $50 based on the UIL travel fee formula.
TRAINING: Officiating is an intensely challenging profession. To become a successful official one must possess a serious attitude, willingness to study/enforce the rules, attend chapter training, and maintain an acceptable level of physical fitness. NEW members progress from officiating junior high gradually moving to higher level assignments. The NFHS rule book, case book, and pre-season guide are furnished to all members. Chapter meetings provide valuable in-person training. Virtual sessions supplement chapter training. Each August the annual RGV Chapter Basketball Camp features 3 days of outstanding lecture, on-court experience, and expert performance evaluation. Other on-court training opportunities are provided each season.
STATE REQUIREMENTS: A criminal background check will be performed after an applicant completes registration. TASO requires all members to attend either the state meeting, locally presented regional clinic, or complete the online clinic training modules. Online basketball rules and mechanics exams must be passed to certify to officiate each season. The uniform requirement is discussed below.
START-UP COST: State and chapter fees vary from year to year. At present a NEW member (one who has never been a member of TASO basketball) will pay a $60 online registration fee to TASO by credit or debit card when applying on the state website TASO.ORG. A background check will be performed. Any legal issue classified above a speeding ticket must be explained when submitting the online membership application. The new member local chapter fee (2022) is $40; the assigning fee is $50 for a total of $90. The assigning fee will pay for games assigned at a rate of $1.50 per game for all games assigned. The unused balance is returned to the member after the season ends. RETURNING members pay a $75 state fee, $40 chapter fee, and a varied assigner fee. A state approved UNIFORM is required. The TASO approved shirt must be worn. Purchase the black and white striped shirt. It is purchased from a TASO certified vendor at a cost of $30 or more. The black pants, black socks, black shoes, black lanyard and whistle may be purchased locally.
HOW TO JOIN TASO AND RGV BASKETBALL CHAPTER AS A NEW MEMBER
An official must join both the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO) and the RGV Basketball Chapter. New member is defined as never previously been a member of TASO basketball.
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REGISTER ON THE HOME PAGE OF TASO.ORG – Select “new applicant” below the revolving photos on the TASO.ORG homepage and begin the registration application. A national background check will be performed. A payment of $60 by debit or credit card is required.
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COMPLETE TASO REQUIREMENTS: Pass the TASO online rules and mechanics exams with a 70 or better and satisfy the clinic requirements. All fees must be paid and requirements completed before games will be assigned. Requirements will be explained in detail at chapter meetings, Arbiter emails, and on the chapter website RGVBBCHAPTER.COM.
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LOCAL PAYMENTS: The NEW member chapter fee is $40 and the local assigner fee is $50. Pay via Quickbooks to treasurer Freddy Ramos at FREDDYRAM23@HOTMAIL.COM or (956)369-1703.
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ATTEND TRAINING AT CHAPTER MEETINGS, SCRIMMAGES, AND OTHER ANNOUNCED OPPORTUNITIES. Please refer to the chapter meeting calendar for meeting dates and locations; the RGV Basketball Chapter website RGVBBCHAPTER.COM for training opportunities. Many announcements are made via Arbiter emails.
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UNIFORM: The uniform worn at all games is black shoes, black pants, black and white striped shirt (or gray shirt), black socks, black whistle, and black lanyard. The shirt must be the official TASO shirt with insignia and purchased from a TASO certified vendor listed on TASO.ORG. The rest of the uniform may be purchased locally.
More information may be obtained from RGVBBCHAPTER.COM or from Carl Contrata (chapter secretary) at 956-373-0751 or CARLCONTRATA@YAHOO.COM or Freddy Martinez (new member trainer) at 956-346-0700 or MARTINEZ3650@AOL.COM or Bert Jaime at (956) 607-1650 or ADALBERTOJAIME@AOL.COM or any board of director listed under “Leadership” on the chapter website.
Carl Contrata
Chapter Recording Secretary