We are in the final stretch of pre-season activities. The IHSA Basketball season starts officially TODAY with Girls' practices and the first games commencing in two weeks on November 16. Boys' start dates run one week later than the Girls' dates. So, that means we have less than 2 weeks to complete our licensing and eligibility requirements. Don't delay as some assigners will likely begin removing officials as the season start approaches. Check Arbiter for your personalized list of eligibility requirements to be met. More on this below!
This Week at VHHS
This week, the NOA will help you get one big step closer to a solid start to your 2026-27 Basketball season. You've got your new books and we have presented the rules changes, shot clock and points of emphasis. We will be conducting another meeting (details below) and reviewing the Part 1 Exam questions.
To officiate, each referee must complete the Eligibility checklist from Arbiter, including some or all of the following:
- Pay your annual licensing fee
- Pass the Background Check,
- Complete the online Rules Meeting,
- Complete the Hate Speech video,
- Pass the Concussion Management video and exam, and
- Receive a passing score for the Part 1 Basketball Exam
before the season starts!
Promotion Exam for Recognized and Certified
The Part 2 Basketball Exam for those interested in Promotion will be made available from November 24 to December 1. If you are interested in participating in the NOA Training session in advance of the Exam, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Please review this important Promotion information from the IHSA by accessing this link or review last week's Newsletter for details.
Week 4 Meeting Recap
We were joined by several Assignment Chairs from CHSBA last week. Jeff Schwarz, Steve Bellmore and Pete Androus offered additional commentary on the pay status for the local conferences. We have posted all the rates we are aware of at this time for your benefit on the NOA website. We could use some support in filling in the remaining details on Fr-So-JV games fees as well. If you are a Shot Clock Operator, those rates are also being posted. Share what you are being quoted for these games by sending a note to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Week 5 Preview!
Ken Pink, an NOA member, State Finals Official and State Clinician will present a session on "Working in and out of your primary area". Let's all get on the same page with this "touchy topic" and learn how you can manage your whistle and adapt to your partners with a clear map of your responsibilities on the floor.
We will conclude this coming week's meeting with a Review of the IHSA Part 1 Basketball exam questions. The Question Bank is available on the IHSA website or through this NOA Website link. Download your copy and complete your open book responses before coming to this week's meeting. You will still have plenty of time to take the exam at home after this review session.
Our next meeting is this Wednesday, November 4 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Vernon Hills High School.
Note: Only New, Lifetime and 2026-27 Paid members will be permitted to attend this meeting.
Don't forget to join other officials (including Football and Flag) for a post meeting/post-game social following this week's meeting at 8:45 at Emil's Pizza in Mundelein. (604 N Lake St, Mundelein, IL 60060)
The final week of the pre-season includes the following topics and speakers:
November 11
Let us know what you think!
Your feedback is invaluable to us. We are nearing the end of the Basketball meetings and preparations and would love to hear your comments and feedback on the meetings we have presented including topics, presenters, metting logistics and timing. Tell us the Good and Bad - Drop a note to Jason, Jay or one of the Board members about what the NOA can do to support you.
Thank You!
