Refs n’ Rooks is a new program funded by the Hear Foundation to train and certify basketball referees in the Pittsburgh region. Thanks to the generous support of the Hear Foundation, the entire program is free to participants. Trainings are facilitated by a certified referee who will provide instruction about the certification exam and on-the-court training. Participants will receive a free referee uniform fitted for them and supplies like shoes and whistles. Those who complete the training will have opportunities for paid practice with Pittsburgh Sports Leagues (PSL) pick up nights and full basketball leagues. And with their certification, they will receive direct guidance on how to get plugged in to the wider world of referring opportunities in the Pittsburgh region. Additionally, they will receive a complimentary year-long PUMP membership.
Cohorts will be between 20 and 30 adults only (18+) participants and the program is open across gender. Participants will take part in three official sessions that will distribute uniforms and materials, cover information for the certification exam, and provide on-the-court instruction. During these sessions, they will be made aware of upcoming paid opportunities to referee with PSL.
Interested neighbors will need to fill out the form below and the Refs n’ Rooks team will be in touch with locations, times, and related information in advance of their training.
Additional Information
Refs n’ Rooks was conceived as a collaborative program to train certified referees with a purpose of reaching out to the general Pittsburgh community and regional law enforcement. Inspired by Leon Ford’s journey and ongoing work in the Pittsburgh community, the program aims to eliminate barriers to participation, provide a structured, high-quality experience, and give participants chances to build their social network and earning potential. In general, there has been a shortage of certified basketball referees and the partners anticipate that participants that complete the program will have many opportunities to support the game of basketball and earn additional income.
About the partners
The Hear Foundation
The Hear Foundation is the first and only nonprofit in Pittsburgh dedicated exclusively to collaborating with community leaders, Police, and residents to create a safe, thriving community for all. Learn more about their critical work here: https://hearfoundation.com/about-the-hear-foundation/
PUMP and Pittsburgh Sports Leagues
PUMP’s mission is to make Pittsburgh the most dynamic and diverse place by engaging, educating, and mobilizing all young people to create change in our community. PUMP’s largest program is the national award winning Pittsburgh Sports Leagues – the largest adult recreational league in Western Pennsylvania.