News Summary

As high school basketball season approaches, Nevada introduces 35-second shot clocks, enhancing the pace and strategy of the game. With a call for more game officials, the Northern Nevada Basketball Officials Association aims to recruit additional referees to meet the growing demand. Training sessions are available for new officials, providing an opportunity for former players and enthusiasts to engage with the sport in a new way.

Shot Clocks Are Making Their Way to Nevada High Schools!

As the basketball season approaches, excitement is building in high schools across Nevada with the introduction of a brand new element to the game: shot clocks! Starting this season, high school players will have to adapt to the 35-second shot clock, a change expected to spice up the dynamic of basketball on the court. The season kicks off in November for high schools, while the middle school basketball season has already begun for boys and girls this September.

A Call for More Referees

With the new rules, there’s also a growing push for more game officials to keep things running smoothly. Currently, around 85 officials are ready to step onto the courts this basketball season. However, the Northern Nevada Basketball Officials Association (NNBOA) is aiming for a total of about 120 registered officials to handle the influx of games. As veteran referees are already juggling between seven to eight games a week, it’s clear that the demand for officials has never been higher.

Being an official isn’t just about the game; it’s also about mentorship and community. Many officials stay connected to the sport they love while helping mentor the next generation of athletes. The number of officials has started to bounce back from the lows experienced after the COVID-19 pandemic, but there’s still a strong need for more hands on deck to ensure a safe and fair playing environment for everyone involved.

Join the Ranks of Officials!

This is a golden opportunity for former players, coaches, and basketball enthusiasts to consider stepping into the shoes of the referee. New officials won’t be jumping straight into varsity games right away but can gain valuable experience through junior varsity games first. They’ll be compensated well, with junior varsity officials earning $67.50 per game, while those officiating varsity games can make $77.50 per game, plus mileage for travel!

The NNBOA has set up training and certification programs designed to help new officials kickstart their officiating journey, and the schedules for games can even be adjusted to fit personal commitments, making it a flexible option for those who are passionate about basketball.

How the Shot Clock Will Work

So, how will the shot clock function? In varsity games, the 35-second shot clock will keep the pace lively, resetting to 20 seconds if the shooting team grabs the rebound after a missed shot. This change applies equally to both boys’ and girls’ games, promising an exciting blend of strategy and speed!

While there’s still some uncertainty about who will operate the shot clocks—whether officials or school-appointed clock operators—it is likely teams will have a combination of both to ensure everything runs like a well-oiled machine. The NNBOA has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of this new rule, although they did not initiate it themselves.

Training Sessions for Future Officials

As part of the preparations, there are four training sessions lined up for those interested in becoming shot clock operators. These sessions will take place at the Boys and Girls Club on 9th Street on the following dates: September 15, October 28, November 11, and November 20, all from 6-8 p.m. Interested individuals can easily register for the new official training program for the 2025-26 season via the NIAA website by navigating to the “Officials” section.

The NNBOA is also available for any further inquiries or additional information via email. Don’t miss out on this exciting chapter in Nevada high school basketball, whether you’re a seasoned player or just someone wanting to stay close to the game!

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