Official (basketball)

In basketball, an official (usually called a referee) enforces the rules and maintains order in the game.

The title of official also applies to the scorers and timekeepers, and other personnel that have an active task in maintaining the game.

The NBA shirt is light grey with thin white stripes, black sleeves, a black stripe on either side, a red and blue collar, the official's number in the center at the top on the back, and the NBA logo above the left breast and the Nike Swoosh on the right.

NBA Summer League officials wear the same light grey shirt but with a black collar.

The device is used by on-court officials to start and stop the game clock in a timely manner, rather than waiting for the scoreboard operator (timekeeper) to do so.

They also carry a duty of care to the players they officiate and to ensure that the court and all equipment used is in a safe and usable condition.

Should there be an issue that inhibits the safe playing of the game, then it is the job of the officials to rectify the problem.

Only recently has a coach been allowed to contest a call by the official, or one missed by them, but this is only valid for a specific window.

Despite the misconception that basketball is a non-contact sport, officials often let a large amount of marginal or incidental contact pass uncalled.

Unlike football or baseball, the crowd is nearly always located within a few feet of the official, as are coaches and other players on the bench.

Along with those, during a game, contact fouls can occur that, if called, will result in the opponent getting two shots from the free-throw line.