Become an Official

Hampshire/Franklin IAABO Board 28 is looking for prospective new members to join our board and become certified Basketball Officials.

Prospective new members must reside or work in Hampshire or Franklin Counties and be 18 years of age by November 1 of the upcoming basketball season.  Additionally, candidates must complete the following steps to become members of Board 28:

     - IAABO University Online Rules Course
     - Board 28 Floor Training Classes
     - Board 28 Floor Evaluation
     - MIAA Background Check
     - NFHS Online Concussion Course
     - Be Voted by Board Membership for Full Status at the Conclusion of their First Season

IAABO University Online Rules Course
Board 28 participates in the online rules course, IAABO University, offered by IAABO. To access the rules course information, visit iaabo.org. From the top menu, select What We Offer, select IAABO Online Rules Courses, select High School, and follow the instructions. The current cost of the course is $75.00 and if you pass, there is an additional fee of $85.00 to register with IAABO Board 28 for the upcoming season. The IAABO University rules course may be started anytime during the calendar year, but must be completed and the exam passed by December 1 of the upcoming season.

Board 28 Floor Training Classes
Prospective new members must also participate in Floor Training Classes. The classes are conducted by the Board 28 Interpreter and Assistant Interpreter. The classes are run over four nights, on a weekly basis, starting the last full week in October. The 2024 Floor Training Classes will be held at Smith Academy on the following dates: October 29, November 5, 12, & 19 and will run from 7-9pm.

Board 28 Floor Evaluation
Upon successful completion of the Floor Training, prospective new members will participate in a Floor Evaluation. The Floor Evaluation involves officiating a scrimmage involving local teams, with a member of Board 28 working alongside each prospective new member. The 2024 Floor Evaluation will be on November 25 at a location TBD.

MIAA Background Check & NFHS Online Concussion Course
Upon successful completion of the Floor Evaluation, prospective new members must also complete a criminal background check; and pass the online Concussion In Sports Course administered by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). The Board 28 Secretary will provide the relevant information to access and complete the background check and concussion course.

Full Membership Status
Upon successful completion of all the requirements, prospective new members will be on probationary status during the basketball season. At the conclusion of the season, a vote by the Board 28 membership, will determine if the prospective new member is removed from probationary status.

Any questions please contact Board 28 Interpreter Mike Volpe at mlv197844@gmail.com.