Basketball is one of the most popular winter and year-round sports on Long Island, with hundreds of games running every weekend across gyms in both counties. When a referee cancels, you need a replacement fast — and most officiating associations won't help on the same day. Emergency Refs is built for exactly that call.
IAABO Certified Basketball Officials
All basketball officials in our network hold active IAABO (International Association of Approved Basketball Officials) certification. We provide:
- Single referee for youth recreational games (grades 3–6)
- 2-person crews for competitive youth and adult leagues
- 3-person crews for high-level tournament and showcase play
- Officials familiar with NFHS, NCAA, and modified youth rules
🏀 CYO basketball — our most common request
CYO basketball leagues across Nassau and Suffolk run every Saturday and Sunday all winter long. Last-minute referee cancellations are the most common reason coordinators call us. We know the CYO circuit well and respond fast.
Leagues & Programs We Serve
- Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) basketball — Nassau and Suffolk dioceses
- Parks & Recreation youth basketball programs
- AAU travel basketball tournaments on Long Island
- Adult recreational leagues at gyms, rec centers, and JCCs
- Church and community leagues (YMCA, JCC, Kiwanis)
- Private sports facilities and indoor basketball courts
- School district intramural and JV programs needing fill-in coverage
Gyms & Facilities We Cover
Our officials are based across Long Island and familiar with venues in both counties, including:
- Nassau: Sportika (East Meadow), PAL facilities, town rec centers, school gyms across Hempstead, Oyster Bay, and North Hempstead townships
- Suffolk: YMCA branches across Huntington, Smithtown, Babylon, and Islip; PAL gyms; school district facilities
- Private facilities: Island Garden (Uniondale area), The Sportsplex, and independent training centers
When to Call for a Basketball Referee
- Your official cancelled the morning of a Saturday CYO game day
- A referee no-showed for a tournament bracket game
- Your adult rec league is short refs for a busy night
- A makeup game was added to the schedule this week
- You need a backup official on standby for a tournament
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you cover CYO basketball specifically?
Yes — CYO is one of our most frequent request types. Our officials know the CYO rules and expectations for both Nassau and Suffolk leagues.
Can you cover multiple games on the same day at the same facility?
Yes. If your gym is running back-to-back games, we can often staff multiple officials or a single official for consecutive games. Include that in your request.
How much notice do you need?
We aim for 12 hours but take same-day requests based on roster availability. Reach out as soon as you know — don't wait.
Do you cover adult leagues and open runs?
Yes — adult rec leagues, 3-on-3 tournaments, and organized open gym events are all covered.
Need a Basketball Ref on Long Island?
Submit a request — we'll confirm a certified IAABO official for your game immediately.
Request a Basketball Referee →