LEARN TO OFFICIATE
Participant Registration
For youth officials joining the clinic to learn rules, mechanics, communication, and leadership.
Register as a Participant
Youth officiating program
Junior Referee Clinic
Train the next generation of basketball officials in rules, leadership, communication, and responsibility — with mentor support and live-game experience.
Clinic registration
Choose How You Will Join the Clinic
Register as a developing referee, volunteer as an experienced mentor official, or enter a team for live clinic games.
GUIDE YOUNG OFFICIALS
Mentor Registration
For experienced officials volunteering to teach, observe, encourage, and support participants.
Register as a MentorJOIN THE CLINIC GAMES
Team Registration
For coaches registering a team to participate in live games officiated during the clinic.
Register a Team
Clinic overview
Officiating is leadership in action
The Junior Referee Clinic develops young officials who understand the rulebook, communicate with composure, and take responsibility for fair play. Participants learn mechanics and signals, then apply them with mentor guidance in live clinic games.
What participants learn
Skills that carry onto every court
Clinics emphasize rules knowledge, positioning, signals, communication, confidence, and leadership — the foundations of responsible officiating.
Rules knowledge
Study the game through clear instruction so calls are grounded in the rulebook, not guesswork.
Court positioning
Learn where to stand, how to move, and how to see the play develop before the whistle.
Hand signals
Practice clear, consistent signals that communicate rulings to players, coaches, and partners.
Communication
Build calm, respectful voice and presence when managing questions, conflict, and game flow.
Leadership
Grow responsibility on and off the floor — preparation, professionalism, and service to the game.
Confidence
Gain live-game experience with mentor support so young officials learn to trust their judgment.
Referee responsibilities
Why referee training matters
Strong officials keep games fair, safe, and teachable. Training young referees builds a deeper bench of leaders who understand the rules and care for the contest.
Protect the integrity of the game
Apply rules fairly, consistently, and without favoritism.
Manage the contest
Keep games safe, organized, and moving with clear mechanics.
Partner as a crew
Communicate with fellow officials and support shared coverage.
Represent the program
Model respect, readiness, and accountability in every assignment.
Leadership & communication
Officials lead without the ball. Clinics practice calm explanations, crew talk, and professional presence so participants can manage pressure with clarity and respect.
Mentors model how to listen, decide, and communicate — then participants rehearse those habits in classroom and game settings.
Clinic format
How a clinic session is organized
Sessions combine instruction, practice, mentorship, and live games. Specific dates, locations, and fees are managed through program registration — this page does not invent schedule details.
- 1
Classroom instruction
Rules, mechanics, and decision-making taught in a structured learning setting.
- 2
Signal and positioning practice
Repetition on court diagrams, whistle work, and crew communication.
- 3
Mentor pairing
Experienced Montana officials guide participants through live situations.
- 4
Live-game experience
Apply learning in clinic games with teams registered for the session.
Resources & next steps
Explore the program tools
Use the public rosters and budget page to follow clinic participation and understand what it costs to deliver education, gear, mentorship, and live-game experience.