If you’re interested in becoming a basketball official for the first time, you’ve come to the right place!  The Rockford Basketball Officials Association is responsible for training and mentoring all officials to work various levels of youth and high school basketball games in the Rockford area and surrounding communities.  The following will help you gain the knowledge and experience you need to improve your officiating.

1. The first step toward becoming an official is to register with the Illinois High School Association.  In general, anyone who is 18 years of age or older can register.  To register, visit the IHSA website (IHSA.org) for instructions.
2. Officials, once registered with the IHSA are urged to join a local basketball officials association.  Contact a board member of our association and they will let you know their procedures for registering with their organization.
3. Once you are a member of the RBO, contact Joe Keller and obtain permission to join the arbiter website.  All game assignments during the season are done through this website.
4. RBO holds 1-2 clinics per year beginning in the month of June.  The June clinic gives the option of a Level 1 or Level 2 training.  Level 1 is classroom only and gives basics on mechanics, rules interpretation, and positioning.  Level 2 is classroom and on-court training during live games.  Officials will work actual summer league games with clinicians observing during game action providing training and immediate feedback. 
5. In early to mid-October, the RBO will hold 6 basketball meetings bi-weekly until the season starts about mid-November.  Meetings are held at Harlem H.S.  Various topics will be discussed pertaining to rules, rule changes, etc.

The RBO is a training organization.  We will help new officials get games but that is not our sole purpose.  We are responsible for assigning several youth leagues, tournaments, etc. throughout the season and will try to develop and mentor newer officials.