In every basketball game, referees play a crucial role. They are the ones who police the rules and make sure everything runs well, and they have been a part of the NBA since the very first game of the league.
Basketball referees make several calls and judgments while also enforcing the game’s laws.
Due to their involvement in the major basketball league, NBA referees are the most well-known officials. Apart from the horrible mistakes they make, one thing about NBA officials that stands out is their uniforms.
Any basketball fan can probably give you the number of their favorite player. However, have you ever asked yourself why refs have numbers on their backs?
All NBA refs have numbers on the back of their jerseys, in case you hadn’t noticed.
NBA officials wear numbers on the back of their clothes so that players and spectators can quickly recognize them. The numbers on referees’ uniforms are also used to keep track of them and recognize them for good or bad calls.
In this article, we’re explaining in detail why NBA refs are numbered, what it means and what kind of officials are there besides the refs.
Why Do NBA Refs Have Numbers?
NBA referees wear numbers on the back of their uniforms for easier identification. The numbers are used by the league to monitor calls made during games.
- A short Google search allows fans to immediately look up referees by their number.
- Every referee is listed on Wikipedia along with their assigned number (similar to how athletes wear numbers to identify themselves). The only distinction is that while referees do not wear last names on their jerseys, players do.
- Even though referees wear a variety of jerseys to maintain fairness, some spectators still mistake one referee for another or are unsure of who is on the court.
Basketball is played worldwide using the numbered referee system, while other sports utilize alternative methods to keep track of their officials.
For instance, in football, there are small flags tied to the belts with different colors to identify them, and in baseball, the umpire wears a hat with a number on it.
Why Is It Necessary to Identify Referees Frequently?
Everyone benefits from having a number because they can easily identify the caller by looking at their number.
Because they have various duties on each courtside, numbers can also be used to distinguish among the referees.
One official might penalize players for guarding their attacking basket area. If a defensive player is standing on their half of the court or is engaged in offensive play, another ref is responsible for calling a foul.
The use of numbers makes it simpler for coaches and players to determine who is calling which kind of foul.
- Because they can quickly refer to their sheets, numbers also assist the referees in keeping organized during a game and spot any missed calls.
Each player’s name, number, position on the court and the type of infraction committed are listed on the sheet. The referees can check their sheet to see if anyone noted any uncalled events that occurred throughout the game.
Additionally, the figures foster a sense of responsibility. Since one can see the referees on the court, there is a higher likelihood that they won’t commit fraud or make poor decisions.
Additionally, if things go out of hand during the game, they are less likely to pressurize certain individuals or teams because their number is visible to everyone.
Since an NBA official observed referees getting confused by opponents and sparking numerous disagreements during games, this approach has been in effect.
He reasoned that recording their phone number would make it simpler for everyone to understand who made the foul calls.
How Are the Numbers for NBA Refs Chosen?
Once officials reach the NBA’s regular full-time staff, the league automatically assigns them a number without giving them an option.
But suppose that over the regular season, a number becomes available. In that situation, representatives might ask for a change to any available number.
If several requests are on the same number, seniority determines who gets the first choice.
The NBA referees cannot select the number that will appear on their uniforms.
I’ll use one example as an illustration;
- The four new officials will receive the four available numbers in alphabetical order if there are four open positions.
- The NBA officials may ask to alter their number if one becomes available if they so choose. The official with the most seniority or experience shall receive the number if there are many requests for it.
The NBA respects its referees in several ways, one of which is by maintaining their uniform numbers. They forbid new referees from using the numbers of their experienced and retired referees unless they first have the retiring officials’ consent.
If an NBA official retires, their number cannot be used unless they give their consent. Legendary Joey Crawford retired at a period when his outfit was left unworn, and they maintained it that way out of respect for the veteran.
The commission retired Joey Crawford’s number 17 jersey as a mark of honor after he retired as a legendary NBA official. The league will first seek Joey Crawford’s consent if a new referee requests Joey Crawford’s uniform number.
Although the league purportedly reserves lower numbers for more experienced officials, there is no explicit rule about this. A newer referee asking for a lower number is frowned upon. However, some officials start out in league with a high number and stick with it the entire time.
For the 2022–2023 NBA Season, there are 73 staff officials and 6 non–staff officials. 120 preseason games, 1,260 regular-season games, and four rounds of playoff games are all overseen by NBA officials, according to Wikipedia.
Being an NBA Referee Isn’t Easy
During a game, NBA officials are in charge of calling fouls. Additionally, they ensure that all rules are followed by coaches as well as players and other officials.
NBA officials are required to monitor everything that is happening on the court constantly.
Three officials officiate an NBA game: one lead official and two side officials. The side officials assist in calling fouls and assessing whether a play is in or out of bounds, but the head referee ultimately decides on all plays.
Before working their first NBA game, referees must complete a rigorous training program. They need to be aware of the basketball regulations and be able to apply them correctly.
Additionally, discussing court location and positioning in relation to other officials on the court is a part of basketball referee training.
This guarantees that they can make decisions during a game swiftly without first seeking advice from another referee.
Referees need to have good communication and problem-solving skills and physical aptitude for the position. Referees must decide the argument swiftly when athletes or coaches question a call.
NBA referees put a lot of effort into making sure every game is refereed fairly. Although they have a difficult job, they also get to witness some of the world’s top athletes compete.
In all sports, these athletes are the ones who receive the greatest scrutiny and criticism. NBA referees have been criticized for certain calls or entire games in the past by players, coaches, and fans alike.
The NBA has referees from a range of backgrounds. Some have college or high school backgrounds, while others rise through the NBA ranks with players.
A Guide To NBA Officials
There are three different tiers of officials in the NBA. Referees, umpires, and crew chiefs are the three different categories.
Referees
The most crucial decisions in a game are made by these referees. They keep score by calling fouls, violations, and out-of-bounds plays from their positions on the floor at either end.
The head referee, side judge, and back judge are the three ranks of referees. All game-related decisions are ultimately made by the lead referee. On one side of the court, the side judge is in charge of calling fouls, while the back judge is in charge of the other.
Umpires
These officials cover the baseline and are in charge of calling fouls for goaltending, charging, blocking, and other backcourt infractions.
Goaltending, for instance, would occur when a player leaps to block a shot, but the ball clears the backboard and enters the playing area.
Crew Chief
Technical fouls, severe fouls, and other bench offenses must be called by the judges. The first-level crew chief and the second-level crew chief are the two tiers of crew chiefs.
All decisions made throughout the game are made by the first-level crew chief, while only technical and flagrant fouls are made by the second-level crew chief.