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Originally Posted by RichMSN
I'm still trying to figure out IAABO's role. Is it for states that would rather not deal with basketball officiating directly -- kind of a "middle man" for mechanics, etc.?
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IAABO is an umbrella organization for basketball officials in about 20 states. In many states, particularly in the Northeast, it is the major organization of basketball officials and the primary route to officiating certification in those states. IAABO has individual chapters, regionally based, which it calls "boards."
IAABO started publishing its own mechanics manual about six years ago...first for two person crews and now for both two and three person crews. Its mechanics are based primarily on NFHS mechanics, but there are some small differences. IAABO interpreters meet regularly and have regular conference calls to discuss rules, etc. They are responsible for transmitting rules and mechanics to individual members.
IAABO publishes a newsletter for its members and runs camps for its members -- where, surprise, IAABO mechanics are taught. It also publishes its own rules test each year, which is the basis for certification as an IAABO official.
I have only officiated in an IAABO environment, so I cannot say how it compares. In my area, IAABO is only the teacher and trainer. It does not assign officials, who must reach out to individual assignors for games. I know other states have tighter control over assignments through their IAABO boards.