NCAA and RQ+ Launch Officiating Training Initiative
The program provides free instruction for basketball officials and includes an in-person clinic in Detroit next year.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Basketball
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The NCAA has partnered with RefQuest Plus for the second year of the Next Generation Officiating Initiative. This free program offers virtual training for non-Division I men's basketball officials to enhance their skills.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to bolster interest and education within men's basketball officiating. By providing career development resources, the program helps empower aspiring officials to advance in the sport.
The program draws from a pool of 700 officials who participated last year, with up to 100 individuals selected for the in-person event in Detroit. All virtual coursework remains free of charge for participants.
The players
NCAA
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a non-profit organization that regulates student athletics among various colleges and universities in the United States.
RQ+
Also known as RefQuest Plus, this platform provides digital tools and management systems specifically designed for sports officiating.
The details
The program utilizes virtual videos and interactive modules to provide training for basketball officials. Aspiring referees must register through the RefQuest Plus platform to access the course material.
Timeline
Registration for the program opens on October 21, 2026.
The virtual course concludes in March 2027.
The in-person event occurs during the Final Four in April 2027.
Season Trajectory
The initiative aligns with the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship to integrate emerging talent into high-level event environments. This creates a clear pipeline for non-Division I officials to gain experience during the sport's most visible tournament.
Aspiring officials can leverage this free instruction to improve their mechanics and gain direct access to NCAA-sanctioned training environments. Successful applicants to the in-person clinic will receive hands-on experience officiating games in Detroit.
The takeaway
Aspiring referees looking to move up the officiating ranks should prioritize completing the virtual modules by March. Utilizing these free, expert-led training resources can serve as a vital step in professional development for basketball officials.
Further reading
For additional context on professional basketball standards, visit the Basketball section.
More information
To enroll in the program, visit the Next Generation Officiating Initiative registration portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NCAA.
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