The initiative will offer free virtual and in-person training for up-and-coming officials
The NCAA and RQ+ have partnered for a second consecutive year of the Next Generation Officiating Initiative, expanding upon the NCAA’s efforts to increase interest and education within the world of men’s basketball officiating.
The free initiative will run as a virtual course that will conclude in March. This initiative gives up-and-coming men’s basketball officials access to targeted professional development content on topics related to the art and science of officiating, points of emphasis, and the path to becoming an NCAA official. All non-Division I men’s basketball officials, specifically Division II, Division III, junior college, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and high school officials, are eligible to register.
Content during the virtual portion will include training videos and interactive modules that discuss topics such as effectively working with your crew, best practices when making calls on the floor and how to interact with coaches. There will also be opportunities to have conversations with other officials about current trends throughout the season.
After the end of virtual courses in March, up to 100 participants will be selected to attend the in-person Next Generation of Officiating program in Detroit, the site of the 2027 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. Selected officials will take part in a weekend full of events, including a full-day clinic and the chance to officiate select games for the USA Basketball Junior National Team Minicamp and the 2027 Manager Games tournament.
“We are grateful to the NCAA for partnering with us again this year. NCAA men’s basketball leadership was hopeful to get 100 officials in the program last year, and the final number was over 700. We were confident this initiative could get legs, and we’re excited to participate in another edition of this initiative,” said Bo Boroski, RQ+ founder and CEO. “There’s a misconception on how to get involved with becoming an intercollegiate men’s basketball official. It’s important to empower aspiring officials with the information so they can be provided an opportunity to run up and down intercollegiate floors, too.”
The NCAA has conducted events like this for men’s basketball officials at several of the past Men’s Final Fours, but at a much smaller scale. In partnership with RQ+, the NCAA looks to build on the explosive participation it experienced last year. Jim Haney, the NCAA national coordinator of officials for Division III men’s basketball, thinks the program will continue to be an amazing benefit for any younger officials looking to advance their careers.
“The first year of the Next Generation course was an incredible success,” Haney said. “The feedback from participants reinforced the value of connecting developing officials with experienced leaders who have been in their shoes. This program is about opening doors, advancing careers and creating meaningful opportunities. Being able to provide these potentially life-changing experiences at no cost is something we’re extremely proud of.”
Registration for the program opens at 1 p.m. Eastern time Wednesday. To register, visit plus.refquest.com/registration and select the “Next Gen” logo.
For any questions, email support@refquest.com.
