NBA Referees Promote Literacy with Sixth Grade Students at Bethune Elementary
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The sixth grade class at Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary was selected to participate in The National Basketball Referees Association's (NBRA) reading program called "Time Out for Reading."
Joe Crawford Named Gold Whistle Recipient
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Veteran NBA referee Joe Crawford was selected by the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) Board of Directors as the 2014 recipient of the Gold Whistle Award, which is officiating's highest honor.
NBA Referees Launch Timeout for Reading
NBA Referees Launch Timeout for Reading
NBA Referees Launch Timeout for Reading
NBA Referees Launch Timeout for Reading
Welcome to NBRA
Welcome to the National Basketball Referees Association (NBRA) website – the official online home of the NBA referees. Here you'll find the latest news on our officials, along with profiles, upcoming events, referee trivia and tips on working for the league. And because we want to hear from you, there are reader's polls, a message board, and the ever-popular "Ask-A-Ref" section where we field your questions about everything referee. So enjoy the site, and come back often - there is always something new.
Referee Training Camps
Love basketball and want to become a basketball referee? There are several ways to realize your dream.
- Basketball Stories
- NBA Referee Dick Bavetta to Break Sports' All-Time Consecutive Iron Man Game Streak
- Joe Crawford Named Gold Whistle Recipient
- Late ABA Ref Andy Hershock's Lasting Legacy
- NBA Ref Violet Palmer Paved the Way for Other Women
- Orlando Science Schools to Participate in Timeout for Reading
- The Incredible Story of a Former Ref's Journey to the Front Lines and Back
- NBA Referees Attend Scholastic FACE Symposium
Ask a Ref
View answers to previously asked questions:
Q: How many refs are there in the NBA today?
A: For the 13/14 season, there are 61 professional referees working for the NBA
Q: I was wondering that if there's any possibility for me to purchase/order an NBA Adidas referee shirt/jersey?
A: The NBA issues referee jerseys to officials only, and they are not available to the public.
Q: I was wondering if officials are responsible for their own travel arrangements (expenses, reservations) or does someone do it for them?
A: Yes, they make their own travel arrangements subject to guidelines established by the league.
Q: Player takes a legitimate attempted shot and misses everything but catches the "rebound". Can player then dribble again?
A: A player who attempts a field goal may not be the first to touch the ball if it fails to touch the backboard, basket ring or another player.
Q: Is the NBA referees uniform available to the public?
A: At the moment, no. NBA referee-wear is not for sale.
On The Road
What's your favorite NBA team? Want to know more about the league's host cities? Click on this map or choose a city to check out everything you need to know when refs and fans hit the road.
Select a City