How to become an NBA referee? Process, qualifications and skills required explored

Being an NBA referee is one of the hardest jobs. Players, coaches and fans scrutinize every call that don't favor them. It's a very taxing work environment, and the pressure is not for everyone.

However, what if someone wants to become an NBA referee? What's the process or what are the qualifications needed? Let's explore how to become an official for the biggest basketball league in the world.

According to the NBA website, there are certain steps needed to become a league official. Before making the first step, all candidates will need to have a high school diploma or passed their GED tests. It's the minimum requirement for referees at any level of basketball.

Prospective referees will have to start somewhere before climbing up the ladder atop the NBA. Those who want to become officials can start their career by calling games in local leagues. Others can do high school basketball games, pro-ams, intramurals, college and even internationals.

It's all about reps and just getting the necessary experience for the next step, which is NBA scouting. A group of league scouts determine at least 100 candidates across the United States, evaluating tapes or even watching events.

The NBA Referee Operations Management Team uses that to identify the candidates who will move to the next phase. There are three possible options, which are Grass Roots camps, Mid-Level and Elite Camps. Those in the Grass Roots and Mid-Level need to improve their officiating skills.

Candidates in the Elite Camps are hired by the NBA G League. They undergo Summer League Training and New Hire Orientation Session. The league continues to develop the candidates through game observations and management team interactions.

After experiencing the G League, candidates are evaluated and assigned to either the WNBA or NBA. It should be noted that the process to becoming an NBA referee is tough and is not for everyone.

There are 74 officials for the 2022-23 NBA season, as well as eight non-staff officials.

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What's the toughest part of being an NBA referee?

Fans think that the hardest part of being an NBA referee is making the right calls, and it's probably true in a way. Referees need to make decisions in a split second in front of thousands of fans and the best players in the NBA world.

However, NBA referee Tyler Ford told the Ball State University Magazine that the hardest part of their job is the travel. They are basically on the road for most of time during the eight-month season.

"The travel is difficult, to say the least," Ford said. "There are months when I get home one day do laundry, repack, see my family and am out the door early the next day. It's grueling, but I love it."

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