If you're thinking about becoming a basketball official, welcome — the AOA Basketball Division is glad you're here. This page walks you through everything you need to do, in order, to get on the court and start working high school and middle school games.
1. Register and Get Licensed with IHSA
Anyone working Illinois high school or middle school basketball games needs to hold a license from the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). This is your first priority and the foundation of everything else.
- Go to the IHSA Officials page and create your account if you do not already have one.
- Register for basketball and pay the annual licensing fee.
- Complete the required concussion protocol course and exam.
- Complete the IHSA rules exam once it is released.
Registration typically opens in the spring. After you sign up, IHSA sends out a rule book and case book by mail. Do not worry about the exam at first — AOA members and meeting leaders are happy to help you study.
2. Create Your ArbiterSports Account
AOA basketball game assignments are managed through ArbiterSports. Once you have your IHSA license number:
- Sign up for a free ArbiterSports account at arbitersports.com.
- Add your IHSA information to your profile.
- Request to be added to the AOA basketball group so you can receive game assignments.
Your basketball assigners use ArbiterSports to post games, and you will use it to accept or decline assignments, block dates you are unavailable, and track your schedule throughout the season.
3. Join AOA and Attend the Basketball Division Meetings
Register for AOA basketball membership
Becoming an AOA member gives you access to weekly division meetings, training materials, veteran mentorship, and the network that helps you advance as an official. Our basketball meetings are held Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM throughout the season.
Attending meetings is one of the best investments you can make in your officiating career. You will review rules, watch video, discuss real-game situations, and build relationships with the assigners and experienced officials who can guide you.
Register for the Observer Program
4. Study with the IHSA Basketball Officials YouTube Channel
The IHSA Basketball Officials YouTube channel is the single best free study resource available to new officials. It includes:
- Recorded Monday-night Zoom rules sessions you can watch on demand.
- Video examples of plays of all types — fouls, violations, game management situations, and more.
- Rules interpretations and mechanics guidance from experienced officials.
We recommend starting with recent sessions and watching one or two videos a week before the season begins. Combine this with what you learn at AOA meetings and you will be ready for your first game.
Questions? Reach out to any member of the Basketball Division leadership. We want to see you succeed, and we are here to help every step of the way.