NBA will require refs to be fully vaccinated against COVID

Referee Ashley Moyer-Gleich and other officials will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

NBA will require referees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 8/28/21

The NBA and National Basketball Referees Association reached an agreement that will require all officials to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for the upcoming season, the league announced Saturday.

Referees with a religious or medical exemption will not be required to get the vaccine. Officials also agreed to get any recommended booster shots.

Referees who choose not to be vaccinated and are not exempt will not be allowed to work any games during the 2021-22 season.

The following was released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/khXtZ5QVRo
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) August 28, 2021

(2/2) The @OfficialNBARefs also described the move as “a clear example of when labor and management work together for the common good of their collective business."

(My guess: Other sports officiating unions will see the NBA/referee example and follow suit; just my opinion.)
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) August 28, 2021

The NBA's announcement comes one day after it announced that most team staff will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Non-playing personnel who work within 15 feet of referees and players during games must be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by Oct. 1. This includes coaches, front-office members, trainers, broadcasters, scoreboard operators, photographers and anybody else who has direct contact with players.

Vaccination currently is not mandatory for NBA players. However, NBPA executive director Michele Roberts revealed last month 90% of players were vaccinated.

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