Frequently Asked Questions
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Here you can find answers to commonly asked questions regarding the Houston Chapter of Basketball Officials. We strive to provide comprehensive information surrounding officiating basketball games in the Houston area to enhance your understanding and involvement.
What are the requirements?
Testing is now open for the 2025-2026 Basketball Season. Thank you to those of you who have registered. In order to be a member in good standing of the Houston Chapter of Basketball Officials (HCBO), you must pay local dues ($150, an invoice is available on reftown) and register with the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA). Registration is $90 unless you are a new registrant (new registrant {never officiated in Texas and registered with THSBOA} will pay $60). You may complete your registration at https://app.arbitersports.com/registration/official?org=6577&role=3 Please use Google Chrome to access the website. It is strongly recommended that you NOT use a smartphone or tablet to complete the registration process.
Log in and click on the Registration Tab. If you are a new registrant click on the registration tab. Select the 2025-26 (THSBOA) Texas High School Basketball Officials Association {Renewals and New Registrations}. Be sure to verify a blue dot at the completion of each step.
NOTE: Please scroll down on Background Consent step to (1) understand the summary of your rights and (2) consent to the background check. On the Associations step, please select 105474 Houston Basketball (THSBOA) as your primary chapter. Per THSBOA Stated Policy an official will only be eligible to officiate playoff games, UIL/TAPPS assigned games, Regional Tournament and State Tournament games for their primary chapter. Only select 2 chapters, if you are a dual member and ensure 105474 Houston Basketball (THSBOA) is your primary chapter. If you are not a member of another THSBOA Chapter, DO NOT SELECT ANOTHER CHAPTER.
I would also like to emphasize the importance of completing the various exams and scoring as high as you possibly can. Per THSBOA Bylaws, no official will be eligible to officiate until the exams are passed with a score of 70 or above. The standard of 90 or above on all exams remains the same to be eligible for Playoff games, UIL/TAPPS assigned games, Regional games and State Tournament selections. Exams must be completed at http://thsboa.arbitersports.com/front/108492/Testing After you log in, choose the THSBOA (Central HUB) account. Click testing on the top menu bar and complete your desired exams. The books and publications (rule books, case books, and publications) will be available soon for distribution. They are open book exams, you may use last year's books along with the supplemental aid I have sent previously for the questions regarding the new rules. If you have not registered, the exams will be available to you 24 hours after your payment is processed.
All tests are available, 2025-2026 THSBOA Rules Exam, 2025-2026 THSBOA 2-Person Exam and 2025-2025 THSBOA 3-Person Exam. You will be given 50 attempts to reach your desired score. You must complete all 3 exams.
How do I apply?
Applying to join our association is straightforward. Simply follow the links below to register with both the State and Local chapters. Once you are registered in Reftown with the HCBO chapter you will being to receive updates and information in your email inbox.
What training programs are offered?
We offer various training programs designed for both new and experienced officials. These include clinics, workshops, and mentorship opportunities to help develop officiating skills and improve overall knowledge of the game. There are also often live-game off season opportunities throughout the year, and will be communicated via email.
What uniforms are required?
Shirt
• THSBOA Dye-Sublimated Black & White, Short Sleeve, V-Neck shirt.
• Short Sleeve “Undershirt” shall not be visible
• Tucked inside pants
• Dye-Sublimated United States Flag on left sleeve (2 inches above bottom of sleeves)
Pants
• Black • No belt loops preferred; if belt is worn it shall be black
• Length – be sure to get them tailored properly
• Pleated pants preferred
• No shorts, No wind pants, No warm ups
Socks
• Solid Black
• No length required, but long enough so the bare leg does not show
Shoes
• Entirely Black
• Black shoe strings
• Shined or polished
Whistle
• Black plastic Fox 40
• Black lanyard required – may loop around neck or attach to the shirt
• Always carry spare whistles and lanyards with you
THSBOA Jacket
• Worn prior to the game only - Required for Varsity
• Black with THSBOA Dye-Sublimated patch on left chest
• No other jackets or patches are allowed
• If one Official does not have a jacket, then no jacket will be worn by all Official