BBOWS High School Volleyball

Thanks for your interest in finding out what it takes to become a certified high school basketball official for BBOWS. Please check the BBOWS website at www.bbows.org

What is BBOWS?

The Baltimore Board of Officials for Women's Sports is a service organization providing the most desirable sports officiating services to girl's and women's sports. Our Board recruits, trains, and provides continuing education for people interested in becoming an official.

The members of the Baltimore Board strive to provide the leadership appropriate in terms of ethical conduct and consistency with the highest level of performance and achievement of the athletes involved.

In general what times are basketball games scheduled?

Games are generally scheduled on all weekdays at starting times ranging from 3:15PM up to 6PM. Officials need to arrive at the game site no later than 30 minutes prior to start time of the game and dressed and on the court 15 minutes before game time. There are minimal Saturday games that occur during the season, but there is a lot of rec ball to officiate on the weekends. Contact Rick Russell at 410-747-7614 or Buck Ward at 410-823-8126 or Tony Woolfolk at 410-355-3073

What schools does BBOWS provide officials for the sport of basketball?

As of the 2008 season the following schools are serviced:

· Baltimore County Public (MPSSAA)

· Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland (IAAM)

· Other various Independent Middle and High Schools

The basketball season runs from December to February. There is recreation ball in the spring and summer.

What is the registration fee to become a BBOWS basketball official?

As of 2008, the total registration fee is $175.00 for a brand new official. This covers the cost of the training class, annual BBOWS sport specific season registration fee, MPSSAA sports insurance coverage, high school federation rules and casebook. There is also a requirement of your attendance at seasonal basketball sport meetings as well as the annual BBOWS meeting that is held in the June.

What type of instructional training is provided for officiating basketball?

There are instructors who provide classroom and courtside training. Training classes are held in October and November from 6:30 to 8:30 at a local high school. There are organized play dates that provide non-paid officiating opportunities prior to the start of the season. The rules for high school basketball are governed by NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations). The NFHS must be taken and completed with a passing grade. A training fee is associated and must be paid prior to the first class.

What are physical demands associated with the sport of basketball?

They are very physically demanding. You must be able to jog, sprint, change direction for 90 minutes. As the players’ ages and skill levels increase, the speed of competition becomes more challenging. Your concentration level and ability to anticipate must increase as well.

What are the uniform/equipment requirements and their associated costs?

The uniform consists of:

ü Beltless Black polyester slacks

ü Black and white striped shirt v-neck ( no collar)

ü All black court shoes

ü Black socks

ü Black Fox 40/Mini Fox worn with a black lanyard

ü Tights to preserve your pants and keep your legs warm during half time

Optional Equipment for the first year consists of:

ü BBOWS Jacket

ü Black shiny shoes

The associated cost for all of this uniform and equipment is generally less than $100 if you have shoes.

What are the match fees for officials?

In general for 2008, two officials working together on a Varsity game make anywhere individually $60-$61 per match. Two officials working together on a Junior Varsity (JV) level game can make anywhere individually $47-$48 per game.

How am I assigned games?

BBOWS uses an assigner for each sport. Officials do not get assigned by an individual school or school system. Your games are scheduled using a web-site (THEARBITER.NET) and sent by e-mail. Factors influencing assignments are availability, attitude, experience, and dependability.

Where do I buy my uniform?

You can buy your black polyester pants at any department store. Striped shirts can be purchased at Fast Break Sports at the corner of Putty Hill Road and Old Harford Road. You can purchase BBOWS whistles from the instructors. Black court shoes can be purchased at and sporting goods store. You can also go online at the following websites. BBOWS jacket can be purchased through the instructor.