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Step 1
Decide whether refereeing is the career for you. While NBA referees are well paid, it can take years upon years to ever reach that stage. Additionally, only a small percentage of referees ever make it to the NBA. Basketball referees outside the NBA aren't paid very well so if you don't have a true love for basketball officiating, consider a different career.
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Step 2
Register for a basketball refereeing school. The most highly recommended basketball referee school is the Coast To Coast Referee School in Orlando, Florida. This school is run by NBA affiliated referees and they strive to help all levels of basketball referees improve their craft. You can register and learn more information about this school on their website.
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Step 3
Apply directly to the NBA D-League. You can get the contact information for the NBA D-League refereeing division while at the Coast To Coast Referee School. Once you apply, the NBA D-League reviews your experience level and decides whether or not you are hired. If you are not hired, they tell you the reason why you were not hired and tell you what you need to do to improve your chances.
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Step 4
Stay dedicated to your craft. It could take a couple of years to build up the resume necessary to get into the NBA D-League as a referee. If you have to work recreational leagues, high school or college games, do so because that can improve your chances of moving up the ladder.
