Step onto the court — with a whistle.
The OSBA Junior Officials Program develops young referees from scratch. You don't need experience. You don't need to buy gear. You don't even need to know all the rules yet — that's what training is for.
What you do need: to be at least 14 years old by December 31, 2026 (born in 2012 or earlier), willing to commit to training, and ready to learn one of the most respected skills in basketball — calling a fair game. We also partner with other Ottawa basketball associations, so you'll get plenty of court time once you're trained.
Eligibility.
Age requirement
Must turn 14 by December 31, 2026. If you were born in 2012 or earlier, you're eligible.
Experience needed
Brand new and returning officials both welcome. Training covers everything.
Hrs / 2 weekends
Most officials work two games every two weekends. Plus extra opportunities at Small Ball tournaments and fun days.
Games across multiple programs.
Junior officials are assigned to age groups that match their experience and comfort level. New officials typically start with younger divisions and work up.
- Small Ball & U10 Development Entry-level. Plus mini tournaments and fun days throughout the season.
- U12 – U14 EOBA House League League games begin end of November.
- Pre-Season Sort-Out For returning officials with prior training.
- U10 – U14 Competitive Exhibition Higher-pace games for officials ready to step up.
What you'll learn — and how.
Training runs from mid-September through end of November and uses a blended format so you can fit it around school. Games begin at the end of November.
Your training includes
- Five in-person training sessions at OSBA gyms — rules, mechanics, signals, and on-court positioning.
- Two video teleconference sessions via Zoom — covering rule interpretation and game-management scenarios.
- Knowledge tests spaced through the training period to make sure each module sticks.
- Rulebook access (FIBA / OBA) — included with your registration.
Full training schedule, locations, and expectations are sent in early September after registration.
We've got you covered.
You don't need to buy anything to get started. Every registered junior official receives:
OSBA Referee Jersey
Official OSBA-branded jersey, yours to keep.
Fox40 Whistle & Lanyard
The standard. The same one pros use.
Full Training Package
Five in-person sessions, two Zoom sessions, knowledge tests, rulebook access.
You'll need your own black athletic shorts/pants and indoor court shoes. Anything else, ask the coordinator.
Step in as a timekeeper.
Refereeing is a paid position, but if you're focused on earning high school volunteer hours for community service or graduation requirements, you can register as a timekeeper instead.
Timekeeper pathway
- Basic timekeeping training provided by OSBA — short and practical.
- Volunteer hours awarded per game worked, signed off by the coordinator.
- Same court, same vibe — you'll learn the flow of officiating from the table while earning hours.
- Some volunteers transition into paid refereeing the following season.
Common questions.
How old do I have to be?
You must be at least 14 years old by December 31, 2026 to participate in the 2026/27 season. If you were born in 2012 or earlier, you're eligible to register and take part in training.
Do I need to buy any gear to get started?
Nope — OSBA has you covered. All registered junior officials receive an OSBA-branded referee jersey, a Fox40-style whistle with lanyard, and the full training package (five in-person sessions, two Zoom sessions, knowledge tests, rulebook access).
You'll need your own black athletic shorts or pants and indoor court shoes — that's it.
How many games will I officiate?
Junior officials request games based on schedule and availability. Most officials work about two games every two weekends (~four hours of court time); strong performers who are more available may be assigned extra games.
Small Ball mini tournaments and fun days run throughout the season — extra paid opportunities for officials who want more court time. We match you with games suited to your age group, experience, and comfort level.
Can I earn volunteer hours through this program?
Yes — but through a different role. Refereeing is paid, so it doesn't qualify for volunteer hours. Register as a timekeeper instead — OSBA provides basic training, and you earn hours per game worked while learning the flow of officiating from the table.
When does training start, and when do games begin?
Training runs from mid-September through end of November. The format is blended: five in-person training sessions, two video teleconference sessions, and knowledge tests spaced through the period.
Games begin at the end of November. Full training schedule, locations, materials, and expectations are sent out in early September after you register.
How and when do I get paid?
Payment depends on which association is hosting the game you officiate:
- OSBA-assigned games — paid by the Ottawa South Basketball Association (OSBA).
- EOBA House League games — paid by Ottawa Selects (OSS).
- Nepean games — if you're assigned to games run by the Nepean basketball association, the General Manager of that association pays directly.
Payment is generally processed by e-transfer or other electronic payment systems. Specific timing and tax documentation (if applicable) are confirmed during registration and onboarding. Reach out to the OSBA Junior Referee Coordinator at gm@ottawasouthbasketball.ca if you have questions before registering.
What if a coach or parent gets out of line during a game?
OSBA enforces a zero-tolerance policy for abusive behaviour toward officials, particularly junior officials. If something happens during a game, you can submit a Referee Incident Report through the Officials Room on the OSBA website. The Junior Referee Coordinator and OSBA leadership review every report.
You will never be expected to manage a serious conflict alone. Senior officials and coordinators support junior officials at all OSBA-run events.
Can I miss games for school exams or family events?
Yes. Officials request games based on availability — you're not required to take everything offered. Just give the coordinator notice and they'll work around school, family, and other commitments. Reliability matters, but life happens.
How do I register?
Register online through the OSBA RAMP Registration system. After you register, you'll receive follow-up emails in early September with your full training schedule and next steps.
Questions before signing up? Email the OSBA Junior Referee Coordinator at gm@ottawasouthbasketball.ca.
A note for families.
What this program offers your kid
The Junior Officials Program is one of the most underrated youth opportunities in Ottawa basketball. Beyond the paycheque, it builds confidence, leadership under pressure, conflict-resolution skills, and a credential that shows up well on high school applications, university admissions, and résumés.
OSBA officials work in supervised environments under Basketball Ontario's Rule of Two and the OBA Codes of Conduct. Staff and senior officials over 18 complete police record checks; junior officials under 18 are always supervised by adult staff at OSBA-run events.
For specific questions about supervision, payment processing, or anything else, contact the Junior Referee Coordinator at gm@ottawasouthbasketball.ca.
Ready to blow the whistle?
Registration is open for the 2026/27 season. Training kicks off in mid-September and games begin end of November.
Register Here