By: Richard L. Smith
After more than a decade, New Jersey is once again set to welcome one of the most respected basketball officiating forums in the country — and for those who love the game, this moment matters.
From September 17 through 20, officials from across the nation will gather in Edison for the IAABO Fall Seminar, hosted at the Sheraton in Edison, New Jersey.
The return of this seminar to the Garden State marks the first time in over 10 years that New Jersey has been chosen as the host, a distinction that speaks volumes about the state’s deep roots in the game and its longstanding commitment to excellence in officiating.
The season may not officially begin until the first whistle blows, but anyone who has worked the hardwood knows the real work starts long before opening night.
The IAABO Fall Seminar is built around that very idea — preparation.
Over the course of the weekend, attendees will learn from some of the top high school basketball rules clinicians in the country, with sessions focused on rule application, mechanics, judgment, and the evolving standards that continue to shape the modern game.
More than just instruction, the seminar creates a space for perspective.
Officials from different regions bring different experiences, interpretations, and challenges, and those shared conversations often become just as valuable as the classroom learning.
It’s an opportunity to sharpen skills, ask questions, and walk into the season more confident, informed, and connected.
That sense of connection extends beyond the sessions themselves.
The weekend opens with a Thursday golf outing, offering a relaxed way to reconnect with colleagues and build new relationships. Saturday evening’s IAABO Life Membership Banquet will recognize individuals who have made lasting contributions to IAABO and the officiating community, honoring service, leadership, and dedication to the craft.
Throughout the seminar, the Hospitality Room will remain a hub for conversation, camaraderie, and continued learning.
For New Jersey officials and basketball enthusiasts alike, hosting the seminar carries special meaning.
It’s a chance to showcase how officiating is taught, discussed, and respected in this state — and to welcome the broader officiating world into that culture.
Those who help support and contribute to the event will be recognized as part of the IAABO Board 33 contributors list, which will be prominently displayed throughout the weekend.
At its core, the IAABO Fall Seminar is more than a clinic. It’s a reset before the season, a recommitment to getting it right, and a reminder that the game we all love is strongest when preparation comes first.
Edison. Fall. The work begins here.