Report: 36 percent of NBA referees in COVID-19 protocols

Rising COVID-19 cases linked with the highly contagious Omicron variant continue to impact the sports world as the new year approaches. The International Ice Hockey Federation canceled the remainder of the World Junior Championship on Wednesday, and the Denver Nuggets may be the latest NBA team facing a possible outbreak as of Thursday afternoon. 

The Association is also dealing with a different coronavirus-related setback not directly affecting any roster or franchise. 

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that 36 percent of NBA referees are currently in the league's COVID-19 health and safety protocols, with 25 of 70 active officials in quarantine. Thus, they cannot work games. To account for such absences, the NBA has used G League referees for matchups when needed.

The G League postponed all action set for Dec. 27 through Jan. 4 so its players and referees could participate in NBA contests during that period. 

Additionally, Wojnarowski says the National Basketball Referees Association is working with the NBA to alter travel plans and hotel stays with the hope that such changes will prevent officials from being unnecessarily exposed to potentially infected individuals. All referees are vaccinated against the coronavirus and must be considered "fully boosted" by next Wednesday.