EYO has created a referee program to complement its basketball program. The referee program is an extension of the organization’s goal of providing recreational activities for the youth in our community. EYO established this program to allow our young adults to gain valuable life experience, to “give back” to the game that they love, and to provide them with real work experience and responsibility. The organization is, in effect, adding another level to the program by affording its young members a chance to participate in the game in different way.

Eligibility

EYO’s referee program is open to anyone 13-years of age or older, whose family has participated in EYO sports.

Training

Preseason training is provided for each referee in 4, 2-hour long classroom sessions and multiple on-court training sessions. We use the NFHS Basketball rule book as the base rule set. We discuss and review specific EYO age appropriate rules. Each official must pass a written test in order to referee EYO basketball.

Feedback

In-season feedback is provided to each referee, ensuring that the lessons learned in the training class are reinforced on the court.

Program Management

The program is supported by three volunteers

• The referee program is led by Chris Jakubek. Chris is an IAABO Board 23 trained HS official. He played organized basketball through high school, refereed at the high school level, and is a current EYO coach.

• Dan Paugh has been refereeing High School basketball for over 30 years.  He has a deep understanding of the rules of the game and provides insight from the perspective of both a referee and a coach.

• Julius Banks has 15+ years of experience officiating Youth and Men's (High School and JUCO) basketball, and is a current member of both International Association of Basketball Officials (IAABO) boards 12 and 23.