Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is BOSS and what does it do?

A: BOSS is the Best Of San Diego Sports. We assign professionally trained basketball referees to more than 35 facilities for adult and youth leagues and tournaments year round. BOSS has been San Diego’s best source for refferees since the early 1980s.

Q: How can I become a BOSS Official?

A: We’re always looking for new recruits who are available, flexible, organized, open-minded, approachable, and communicative. If you’re over 18, have access to email and reliable transportation, just follow the instructions as seen on our Referee Application page.

Q: Where and when are the games played?

A: BOSS supplies referees to many adult and youth leagues and tournaments throughout San Diego County. Games are played in Scripps Ranch, UTC, Clairemont, Carmel Valley, Mira Mesa, Tierrasanta, Mission Valley, Escondido, Rancho Penasquitos, PB, and Rancho Santa Fe. You can see a list of game sites on the Gym Locations page.

Games are usually played Monday through Thursday 6:00 – 10:00 PM, Saturdays 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (seasonal) and Sundays 4:00 – 10:00 PM (seasonal).

Q: How much money will I make?

A: That depends on your availability, your performances, and demand. The average BOSS official earns $750 per month. Many earn between $1,000 and $1,500 each month.

Q: How and when do I get paid?

A: Many games are paid “cash on the court.” Some games are billed by the month. The billed games (minus the assignor’s fee) are distributed in the form of a check around the 15th of the month.

Q: What will I need to know?

A: You will be taught 2 person floor mechanics, basic rules and signals, and a philosophy of service. You will need to know the BOSS Business Guidelines, Rules and Regulations, Mechanics along with the printed material that is distributed to all BOSS recruits.

Q: How can I prepare myself?

A: Read, review, and highlight the printed material, and study the rulebook. Know the Misunderstood Rules. Observe as many games as possible. Ask questions and practice signals. Use a mirror at home for signals. Adopt officiating terminology. Read the weekly email newsletters. Go to www.officialforum.com.

Q: What uniforms will I need?

A: BOSS officials wear black shoes, white socks, and black shorts (you acquire them). We will sell you striped shirts (with logo) and whistles with lanyards NOW, and a blue jacket (with logo) LATER.