It’s a Slam Dunk! NBA Refs 100 Percent

(RACINE, Wis.) — The National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) received a major endorsement for its advocacy efforts and educational programs when the National Basketball Referees Association (NBRA) voted to include NASO membership with the NBRA package effective immediately.

"This is another important step for NASO," said NASO President Barry Mano. "Having a professional group like the NBRA come on board 100 percent sends an important message to all officials that NASO is working for all officials at every level."

"NASO has demonstrated its commitment to improving officiating and its efforts to create quality educational products, conduct vital conferences and to speak out on issues impacting our profession for many years. Their efforts are not only important, but a necessity," said NBRA executive board member Tom Washington.

NASO has worked closely in recent years with the NBA to conduct several "Sports Officials Appreciation Nights" at NBA games. In most cases, former NBA Director of Officiating Ed Rush, who also served on the NASO Board of Directors between 1996 and 2000, conducted pregame educational sessions with local officials. Other projects with the NBA included NASO/REI helping to develop a youth basketball officials’ guidebook for the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program. The NBA is represented on the Officiating Development Alliance and current NBA official Danny Crawford serves on the NASO Board of Directors. Two NBA officials have also received the coveted NASO Gold Whistle Award; recently retired Tommy Nuñez in 1999 and Bob Delaney in 2003.