Get in the Game: Basketball Officiating Masterclass Being Held This Fall

We all love High School Sports, but let’s be honest, it wouldn’t be possible without the officials working hard to make sure everything is done fairly and at the same time, keeping everyone safe! It is because of this that the Lake Erie Basketball Officials Association, more commonly known as LEBOA was formed. They are the biggest Association in the State of Ohio and currently have over 350 members.

As you may be aware, there is a shortage of officials. – LEBOA has teamed up with the Norther Ohio Officials Association with the cooperation of Polaris Career Center to teach a class to become a registered basketball official. The class, “Get in the Game: Basketball Officiating Masterclass” – is designed to recruit, train and prepare the next generation of basketball officials in time for the upcoming season. This dynamic program is led by seasoned instructors with decades of officiating experience.

The class is unique because students will get both classroom time and time on the court. The current class offered by Ref Reps only provides online training. As a veteran official and the new way, the class is currently be taught online, officials are not ready to officiate. This class is a throwback to the way officials were taught in the past.

You can learn more about it on Twitter here – https://x.com/rocky_neale/status/1968387950594461888′

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Miller at 440-891-7609

Here is the press release with full info on how you can get invovled!

Middleburg Heights, OH – Across Ohio and the nation, competitive sports are facing a growing crisis: a shortage of qualified officials. From youth leagues to collegiate athletics, the need for umpires, referees, judges and support personnel has never been more urgent. In response, Polaris Career Center is stepping up with a new adult education initiative – “Get in the Game: Basketball Officiating Masterclass” – designed to recruit, train and prepare the next generation of basketball officials in time for the upcoming season.

This dynamic program is led by seasoned instructors with decades of officiating experience. Participants will gain a deep understanding of basketball rules, on-court mechanics and the practical decision-making needed to manage game-day scenarios with confidence and integrity.

The hybrid program features:

8 1/2 hours of online coursework
8 hours of in-person instruction at Polaris Career Center (Middleburg Heights)
Court time at a local gym

Classroom dates: October 15, 22, 29 and November 5, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $65 (includes instruction, testing and certification)

Whether you’re looking to stay active, support your local sports community, make some extra money or kick off a new career path, this program provides the tools, certification and confidence to succeed on the court.

Space is limited – early registration is encouraged. Enroll now at www.polaris.edu/basketballmasterclass, by phone at 440.891.7600 or in-person. For more information, contact Kim Grieco at kgrieco@polaris.edu. Polaris Career Center is located at 7285 Old Oak Boulevard, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130.