New Member FAQ

What does it mean to be a member of PBOA?

• To experience camaraderie with other officials

• To learn, know and apply high school basketball rules and officiating techniques

• To be positive role models to the community

• To officiate basketball games at public and private middle schools and high schools in your area

I'm interested in officiating basketball. How do I join?

Typically, meetings start in mid-September and they continue until November. All meetings will be held at Monticello High School located at 1400 Independence Way, Charlottesville, VA 22902. 

You will need to register with the VHSL on Whistle.vhsl.org and if you need guidance follow these instructions. You must also have a physical exam completed by your physician. 

Do I need prior experience as a basketball official?

Prior experience is helpful but is not needed.  We conduct a pre-season classroom training program for new officials at no cost to you. It is often possible to get on-court experience at the recreational level prior to joining.

What kind of training and preparation am I given?

• A combination of classroom and on-court experiences

• Work with seasoned officials on the court in assignments

• Mentor Program for new and young officials

What can I expect for the upcoming season?

• A lot of FUN…as much work as you want.

• To attend training meetings/clinics from September through November

• To officiate weeknight games offered November - February. You: 

  • Are not expected to work every night

  • Are expected to work at least once a week on the sub-varsity schedule

  • Are expected to travel more than 20 miles occasionally. 

Is my officiating income taxable?

As an independent contractor, each official is responsible for the reporting of the income to the IRS.  Most all of your expenses are also reportable/deductible and they will reduce the amount of actual income taxable by the IRS.  Please see a tax professional for details.

How do I receive assignments?

Prior to the beginning of the regular season there are typically pre-season scrimmages to which you are assigned. This is a great opportunity to hone officiating skills before the real games begin.

PBOA and the VHSL use ArbiterSports.com (a scheduling website) as its scheduling mechanism for all sub-varsity, varsity and middle school games.  Officials use the system to mark off any dates they will not be available. You will also receive periodic emails advising new opportunities as they become available for games outside of the VHSL. 

What if I live outside of the counties the PBOA assigns? 

We recommend contacting the Association Commissioner for your area. You can find a list of Officials' Association Commissioners here.  You can also contact us and we will be happy to help connect you with the appropriate association based on your location.