LHSAA/NBA Partnership Targets Graduating Seniors to Referee Basketball

From Geaux Preps:

The LHSAA is proud to announce a partnership with the LHSOA, NBA Referee Operations Department, Jr. NBA, and RefReps that will support the identification of an elite group of graduating Louisiana high school seniors and onboard them into the business of officiating.

WhistleUpLouisiana2024 targets students who exhibit potential for officiating success and want to “whistleup” and become basketball officials. Students must currently be enrolled and in good standing with an LHSAA school, participate and/or show interest in sports, and demonstrate promise in key areas like leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills. All WhistleUpLouisiana2024 candidates must be recommended by
an LHSAA stakeholder like a principal, athletic director, coach, official, etc.

“We are excited about this partnership and the opportunity to work with our member schools to identify an elite group of students,” said LHSAA Director of Officials Lee Sanders. “Our WhistleUpLouisiana2024 referees will receive the best training to support their effectiveness, and we are committed to equip these young people with the knowledge and tools for success on and off the court.”

Gary Zielinski, the Director of Youth and Amateur Officiating Development for the NBA, said, “We look forward to welcoming these graduating seniors to the world of basketball officiating which is led by integrity, fairness, and the desire to work on a craft that can provide a lifetime of enjoyment and friendships.”

This select group will receive specialized instruction from the NBA Referee Operations Department, RefReps Officiating Education System, and the LHSAA/LHSOA leadership team. “At present, RefReps Intro to Sports Officiating classes are being taught in high schools and colleges/universities across 42 different states,” said RefReps Founder and CEO, Kyle Armstrong. “This elite opportunity is truly a first-of-its-kind for young people
across Louisiana. I have always been impressed by the LHSAA’s visionary leadership, and we are proud to work alongside these organizations to develop the next generation of great sports officials in this state!”

Mentors and coaches will provide relational support, and WhistleUpLouisiana2024 referees will get opportunities to earn money working Jr. NBA, recreational, and subvarsity games. WhistleUpLouisiana2024 officials will learn about officiating as a career pathway and receive financial assistance to defray uniform and licensure costs.

“This initiative will put these young people to work and give them the chance to quickly make money while learning how to referee basketball,” said Sanders. “We look forward to training and supporting our WhistleUpLouisiana2024 referees and helping them make a smooth transition into the business of officiating.”