After reaching an agreement with the National Basketball Referees Association (NBRA), the NBA will be requiring all referees to undergo vaccinations against the coronavirus in order to take to the court this season. Those who do so will also receive booster shots once they are eligible.
Prior to passing this requirement, the NBA waited on the approval of the NBRA, for which a vote was held. After a resounding vote in favor of the vaccination requirement, the NBA moved to enforce this rule.
The NBRA released the following statement on the matter: “This agreement was a win-win. It will support the NBA’s objective of creating a safer on-court environment and continuity of play while protecting the health and well-being of the referees.”
Should any referee refuse to undergo vaccinations on documented medical or religious grounds, he or she may apply for an exemption.
Prior to the agreement with the NBRA, the NBA announced to its teams that anyone who is in close proximity to referees, approximately 15 feet, would be required to vaccinate.
While players were not required to be vaccinated last season, the league engaged in a campaign to encourage them to do so. The campaign included relaxing safety protocols for vaccinated players, such as fewer mandated tests, more freedom on trips, and no quarantine requirements following contact tracing.
