MABO 2026 Officiating Top 10

1. RUN! Make sure you are in the FRONT COURT in good Lead and Trail set up positions. Hustle from the table after reporting a foul to get to NEW TRAIL. In transition, trail stays with the dribbler; slightly behind and in BOX 1.

2. Know the Rules (and Age-specific Modifications) 

https://cloud.rampinteractive.com/mbansca/files/rules/MBA%20Rules%20of%20Play.pdf

3. Use your VOICE.  FIBA wants a voice to support every whistle during the game;  whether it’s an out of bounds (i.e., “Blue”), foul (Red 12, 2 shots) or substitutions;  Everyone in the gym should hear you reporting to the table.  (CNNC) REMEMBER! If you blow (your whistle), you owe (a verbal explanation).                    HAVE. A. VOICE.

4. Run The Game.   Take care of Coaches, benches and players. All team bench personnel are expected to maintain professional conduct at all times in accordance with FIBA rules. This includes respecting officials’ decisions, refraining from unsportsmanlike behavior and outbursts. Bench members must remain seated unless permitted, avoid gestures or comments that may incite or distract, and ensure that all interactions promote fair play and respect for the game. HUSTLE to get the ball back into play following a violation or reporting of a foul to the table. 

5. Trail - Work the Arc and attach to the play.     As Trail in 2-person officiating, we cannot be stationary! We must work the arc and step down on ALL shots and drives to the basket. This might mean we are CLOSE to the foul line extended in some cases. For more information, see the link below, pp. 30

CBOC/ FIBA  2 Person Officiating  Manual

6. Lead- Mirror the Ball. As Lead in 2-person officiating, we cannot be stationary! We must move out and in box 4, depending on where the ball is.  We MUST be wide when the ball is in box 3 to judge out of bounds on our sideline; but CONTINUING to look INTO our primary (box 4 and 5). When the ball is in box 1 and 6, we should be at the EDGE OF PLAY, still keeping players in box 4 in our sight, but preparing for the ball to go into the key (box 5)

FIBA / CBOC  2 PO Officiating Manual

7. Maintain Physical Fitness.

Basketball is a fast-paced game, and being in good physical condition allows you to keep up with the action, get into the proper position, and maintain focus throughout the game.

8. Don't Anticipate:  React.   Focus on the play as it happens rather than predicting what might occur. Let the play come to you and make the call based on what you see, not what you expect to see. Let the play
                START > DEVELOP > FINISH > DECIDE 

9. Practice Game Management and "Flow" Understand that each game has a different tempo. Use common sense and judgment; not every minor infraction requires a whistle, especially if no advantage was gained or lost.  Take note of the “temperature” of the game; if the game is getting more physical, more whistles are probably needed.                                                                     

10. TALK ABOUT OFFICIATING and your GAME.  Be coachable and actively seek out constructive criticism from experienced mentors, supervisors, and fellow officials after games. Use a "beginner's mind" attitude to learn and grow.  After each game, take time to reflect on your performance: what went well, and what areas need improvement? When working with a senior partner or someone you trust, ask them if they have any feedback for you.