IAABO? If not, why not? If you are, why?

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.
I did not imply that every basketball official should join IAABO. But I have basketball officiating friends from all over the country and the almost without exception, the reason that is given for not joining IAABO is that if it doesn't get me more games I am not going to waste my time and money.

I would hope that basketball officials would join IAABO because it is much more that a booking agent in some areas of the country. As I have said before IAABO's primary mission is the education and training of basketball official and it works hand-in-hand with the NFHS to achieve this goal.

Mark, I love the fact that you love your organization. I am with TH on this. I have more than enough games. I already belong to 3 officials associations that are not required by my state. In my state belonging to those organization are encouraged, but it is not a necessary to officiate games in the area. Hell, I do not belong to any associations that give me any games in the first place. I did that because I wanted to get better and attended camps and busted my AZZ to show the right people that I could officiate.

I am sure that IAABO is a good organization, but with very little to no presence in this area or the area I came from, I really do not see the point. I am so glad that they have education and training, but you would have to show me how they have more training and education that I already get from being a member of the current organizations that I belong to. And in my opinion, this board and the publications that I get from NASO is more than enough for me right now. I am not trying to put down IAABO, but I am saying that they are nothing special where I am from. I do belong to an association that I can choose to by a membership into IAABO, but not very many officials are very active in that organization. And I have never heard an official that says, "if you are not in IAABO, the assignors or associations are looking down on you as a result."

Good for you that you are proud of IAABO. Maybe for you IAABO is a valuable resource, but that does not apply to all of us.

Peace