Blake Hollingsworth, a former assistant basketball coach at Declo High School and current employee at Minidoka Memorial Hospital, is spearheading a new effort to combat the nationwide shortage of basketball officials.
The newly formed Sawtooth Basketball Officials Academy (SBOA) will host a two‑day camp in Twin Falls from June 12 to 13, offering hands‑on training for aspiring referees at a modest $50 fee per participant.
A Practical Training Ground
The camp will be staged at three venues — Canyon Ridge High School, Twin Falls High School and an additional site — to accommodate 35 teams that will provide real‑game scenarios for the officials‑in‑training.
Participants will receive instruction on positioning, whistling technique and game discipline, while also benefiting from the guidance of NCAA National Coordinator of Women’s Basketball Officiating, Penny Davis, who will advise the program throughout the sessions.
Hollingsworth says the academy’s mission is to build confidence among new officials, a factor he believes is essential for retaining referees in a climate where many abandon the profession after a single season.
Registration remains open, and interested candidates can reach out to Hollingsworth directly at (208) 650‑8107 for details on enrollment and scheduling.