Jelks became the seventh woman to be a full-time NBA referee. In March 2015, the NBA began issuing Last Two Minutes reports that detail the performance of referees at the ends of games which the . JAYLAND WALKER LIVE BLOG: Protesters gather in downtown Akron following grand jury decision, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost releases evidence from Jayland Walker grand jury, 'Unhealthy' conditions trigger Air Quality Alert in multiple Northeast Ohio counties, One on One: A Gentleman's Guide to Dating Ambitious Women, Boss Ladies of CLE: Vitamix CEO Jodi Berg. March 12, 2021. The NBA, like the society it's part of, inches ever closer to true equity. In 2017, the NBRA expanded to include officials for the G League and WNBA. Any postseason game, an NBA referee is eligible to earn an extra $800 to $5,000 each game in addition to their salaries. When did you first start dreaming about being an NBA referee? 7. This biographical article relating to United States women's basketball is a stub. we will inform you about the per match fees as well as the annual salaries of the Highest Paid NBA Referees 2022 (+All Salary). Moyer-Gleich tells multiple stories of NBA security staff confusing her for a cheerleader or a referee's wife when she entered the building to officiate games; to varying degrees, her peers have similar experiences. Schroeder became a full-time referee in 2019 and Simone Jelks followed suit in 2020. When I was telling them, Guys, just work hard, do the right things, be patient. I kind of see some of the things I was talking about with them coming into fruition. By recommendations from their superiors, some NBA G League referees have the opportunity to be promoted to the NBA. margin, W/L and more. "We are pleased to welcome Simone, Suyash and Andy to our full-time staff," said . Officiating is a full-time job and NBA officials are required to be scholars of the rulebook, process decisions quickly, and maintain tip-top fitness. Included aren't just the five women who have achieved full-time NBA status, but also many more working their way up through the G League or WNBA training ranks. She also worked 16 regular-season NBA games as a non-staff official during the 2019-20 season. . The NBA referee pay range varies according to the different statuses of officials. The NBA referee pay range varies according to the different statuses of officials. After she graduated, she became a referee. And she came up to me after a game and took me aside and said, Hey, heres a card. And it was a card of the NBA officials scout. And every time that Ive reached out to her, shes given me nothing but just honesty and transparency. I got you. "She'll always say, if I did it, you can do it. Every player doesnt react the same way or respond the same way to criticism. Jelks views Palmer as a key mentor in multiple ways. Simone Jelks is making history as the first female referee in the NBA. I grew up watching basketball and to be able to be a part of it now is just an unbelievable feeling., Jelks, who has been officiating for 12 years, says that she didnt set out to become the first female referee in the NBA. . The women that are coming on the scene now are helping us -- we're not helping them.". ", Editor's Note: The below story aired on December 16, 2020, Example video title will go here for this video. Professional NBA Referees generally take 7000 USD for a single match & $9000 for playoffs. She has three years of collegiate officiating experience, with stints in the Mid-American Conference and Horizon League. That doesn't bother me, because we're all just referees and we have to be able to co-mingle. She dedicated herself completely to the game, but also to earning respect just like anyone else. Within several years, for the 2014-15 season, Holtkamp-Sterling would become the first woman hired as a full-time NBA official in nearly two decades. There is no consensus answer to how much money NBA referees are paid by the league. Certainly not. If they get the chance to officiate a semifinal or final of the NBA season they get up to 29 thousand US Dollars for that special duty. However, for the play-off matches they receive a bigger amount of money in 9K USD. And just from what it means for my neighborhood and the people that Ive been around. In 1994, the estimated referee salary was between $72,000 and $177,000, according to Deseret. They're just talking about something they're uncomfortable with.". He also has NCAA Division III and junior college officiating experience. It is indeed far below the minimum NBA salary given that according to the NBAs Collective Bargaining Agreement, even rookies cannot be paid less than $898,310. 3 Nick Buchert, Smithfield, Ky., 9. She is earning a handsome pay from her position as a NBA referee. Violet Palmer and Dee Kantner broke the NBAs gender barrier among referees in 1997. I dont know about my personal relationships. NBA officials Simone Jelks (left) and Ashley Moyer-Gleich working a game together in Chicago. Being an NBA referee is a harder job than many people think, no matter how many fans believe they could do a better job or that their "grandma could have made a better call." The minimum education requirement for referees is a high school diploma or GED. And now Im on a platform where my former students can see that. She also worked the 2022 Rising Stars and All-Star Saturday Night at NBA All-Star in Cleveland. As of 2022, the average annual salary for an NBA referee ranges from $180,000 to $500,000, depending on experience, job title and the level of the game itself. ", How Monica Puig finds post-tennis fulfillment, 26.2 miles at a time, USWNT's Ertz signs 1-year deal with Angel City, Obiri wins Boston women's race in 2nd marathon, D. Johnson leaves NC State, enters transfer portal, Sun Belt POY Jefferson commits to Louisville, OU's Storako taken 1st overall in pro softball draft, Lady Vols extend Harper through '27-28 season, Trans athlete deemed ineligible to play in NBL1, 2023 NCAA gymnastics championships: Oklahoma repeats and Trinity Thomas ties record, Tracking Trinity Thomas' journey to tying the perfect 10 record, The top 35 women's college basketball players in the transfer portal. And before I could even start teaching, I had to listen. The figures referees receive today are nearly 10 times higher than it was in 1983, when officials made between $18,000 and $80,000 per season. I was making it work. Natalie Sago, whos one of the current NBA female, full-time referees. I make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, she says. Scott, the daughter of college basketball officials, was promoted Monday to the full-time NBA staff referee roster. NBA referees also receive numerous benefits like travel expenses, insurance and retirement plans. Its 2021. "I see little girls sitting courtside, parents asking me to take a picture with their little daughter," Moyer-Gleich said. An underrated aspect of a referee is the physical fitness that they need to maintain during a game. Work as a referee for youth basketball. "I said to the guys: 'You can curse! Sago officiated four seasons in the NBA G League and three seasons in the WNBA. It's needed that we strengthen each other emotionally, and just have that good support team.". Several of the full-timers are close friends off the court. This group -- considered to be the cream of the crop around the league -- include names like Scott Foster, James Capers and Sean Corbin. The senior level is the top level of NBA referees. It helps me with the mindset. I would love for you guys to be a part of it.' She also has three years of collegiate officiating experience, with stints in the Mid-American Conference and Horizon League. Jelks, who is married with two teenage daughters, said she tries to keep a balance between her work and personal life. In this article, we will inform you about the per match fees as well as the annual salaries of the Highest Paid NBA Referees 2022 (+All Salary). Simone Jelks. Jelks describes people telling her that their daughters tune into NBA games she works and won't even focus on the players; their eyes only on her. Brooklyn Nets 123-95 Boston Celtics: Twitter goes berserk as Kevin Durant steals Christmas from Tatum and co. (sportskeeda.com). "We are a very empowered group of women," Jelks said. Jelks becomes the seventh female full-time ref in NBA history, with the current five preceded by Dee Kantner and Violet Palmer. There have only been seven full-time female referees throughout the NBA's history, and five still currently work for the league. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Last month, Jelks made history when she officiated an NBA Summer League game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Dallas Mavericks becoming the first female referee in NBA history, It was an unbelievable experience, she said. Despite the extra pressure, Jelks says that shes enjoying her chance to show off her skills at the highest level of basketball. "Being a Black woman herself, being a trailblazer as the first African-American [woman referee] in the NBA, she understands 100% of the challenges that I face," Jelks, 35, said. Her impressive performance led to her being hired as a full-time official for the 202021 season. NBA G League referees Simone Jelks, Suyash Mehta and Andy Nagy have been promoted to full-time NBA staff officials, it was announced today by Monty McCutchen, NBA Senior Vice President, Head of Referee Development and Training. Skype chats gave way to lengthy group texts, including several that persist to this day. How would you describe being an NBA referee so far? In 2004, she graduated from Charles F. Brush High School in Lyndhurst, Ohio. A Cleveland native, Simone began her career in sports at a young age. Jelks has been praised for her ability to keep players in check and for her even-handed calls. Similar to Holtkamp, Jelks played . Can Women's World Cup faves overcome infighting, injury, new coaches in 100 days? Jelks officiated three seasons in the NBA G League. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Its not your job to make people comfortable with you. None attempt to discount their own burdens that they overcame. December 23, 2020. . They maintain the integrity of the world's premier basketball league consisting of 30 teams, 120 pre-season games, 1260 regular season games, and 4 rounds of playoffs. What advice does she have for aspiring referees? She becomes the sixth woman on the current staff, joining Lauren Holtkamp-Sterling, Ashley Moyer-Gleich, Simone Jelks, Natalie Sago and Jenna Schroeder. "Did I hear it? More than anything, it's that normalcy that today's women NBA referees aspire to. Have you had any conversations with Violet Palmer? The highest and final level an NBA referee can reach is the senior-level ref. R denotes rookie. Holtkamp-Sterling has become a big sister figure to the other women in the program. They have a combined 11 years of G League experience and each worked 13 NBA games in non-staff roles last season. The following is a Q&A with Jelks, 35, about her path to the NBA. Areas like these come to the forefront as the NBA continues to strive for an earned reputation as a progressive organization. Former Brush High School basketball standout Simone Jelks was one of three basketball referees promoted Wednesday to full-time status by the NBA. The setting was a local recreation center in her home state of Missouri, where she'd previously played four years of college basketball at Drury University before becoming a referee. Jelks also spoke about her hopes for more female involvement in the sport at all levels. The NBA has made significant alterations since Palmer and Kantner's day, where the league would have to improvise a makeshift women's locker room in arenas that weren't prepared for them. I make sure to eat healthy and exercise regularly, she says. She is also known for being one of the most accessible officials, often taking the time to interact with fans before and after games. The entry-level referee is looked at as a rookie, and they make around $600 for each game they are a part of or about $250,000 a year if they are full-time. And it helps you in a lot of different situations, whether thats with management, whether thats with the coaches, with the players, just be yourself. The top referees are eligible to work the NBA playoffs and the NBA Finals. Who is Referee number 81 in the NBA? In 2009, NBA referee salaries began at $91,000. "And I say that very positively. The NBRA voted to strike during the 1977 NBA playoffs. Highest Paid NBA Commentators 2022 (All Current Salaries). Some nights you cant sleep well, and you go back [mentally to the game] and you get so mad. Hart rolled his ankle in the fourth quarter of Game 1 and was limited in Monday's practice before the Knicks later listed him as doubtful. That call brings goose bumps back to me, Jelks told The Undefeated recently. The NBRA has encountered strikes and lockouts in the 44 years since its founding. What are some of the challenges she faces? It doesnt give yourself the freedom to just work. Simone Marie Jelks (born March 9, 1986) is an American professional basketball referee in the National Basketball Association (NBA), wearing number 81. Palmer and Kantner smashed this barrier; those who came after them are trying to stomp on its remains. She is a former NBA basketball player with multiple talents as an author and athlete, and now a full-time paid NBA official. Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies referees Kevin Scott (crew chief), Nick Buchert (referee), Simone Jelks (umpire) The Grizzlies are heavily favored to win this one as 7-point favorites at home with the point total set at 229. NBA G League officials Simone Jelks, Suyash Mehta and Andy Nagy have been promoted to full-time NBA referee status. I dont know if Im going to have a job. Theres a select group of referees who have even earned some degree of celebrity status, frequenting playoff games and even leading some fans to speculate about potential disputes or issues they have with players and coaches. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. She began her career . NBA Referee Simone Jelks Birthday And Wikipedia Revealed. They are also capable of handling some plays in the secondary areas of coverage. NBA referees banded together in 1973 to form the National Basketball Officials Association after enduring unfit labor conditions. NBA referees salaries for this season and through the years. I was totally fan-girling. "Lauren took about six of us under her wing a couple summers ago," Sago said. An Ohio native, Jelks played college basketball at the University of Southern California, where she was named to the 2007-08 Pac-12 All-Defensive Team. Scott's average point total comes in at 230.1 while the home team has won an even 50% of the time when Scott is in . Ashley Moyer-Gleich, 33, a former Millersville University college basketball player who debuted as a full-time NBA referee in 2018 after working in the WNBA, took years of mentorship from Kantner; both are from cities within an hour of each other in Pennsylvania. Those who followed them still faced real challenges. My first game was a preseason game and it was the first NBA game [Oct. 5, 2019] at the new Chase Center [in San Francisco] between the [Los Angeles] Lakers and Golden State [Warriors]. In 2017, Jelks published One on One: A Gentleman's Guide to Dating Ambitious Women,a book "written from the perspective of an ambitious woman and delivered using the language of athletes." There is such a drastic pay range because there are different statuses a referee can be. The names she's invoking are Violet Palmer and Dee Kantner, the first full-time women referees to ever work in the NBA. And I think that helps me with my communication. Was the buffer Palmer and Kantner created an impenetrable one? Entry-level referees are on the lower end of that scale and receive larger paydays the longer they are in the league. It stuck for good, always as a term of endearment. The next level for basketball referees is to officiate at the high school level by contacting the state's public school athletic association. "[He] confronted me and told me I didn't belong there, working that game," Holtkamp-Sterling recounted years later. He has officiated in numerous collegiate conferences, including the Atlantic 10, Big South, Colonial Athletic Association and Conference USA. She also worked 16 regular-season NBA games as a non-staff official during the 2019-20 season. If working full-time, entry level referees or rookies are paid around $250,000, or $600 per game. She heard whispers from some corners of the sport. Dont be anybody else out there because you can only be you. These were different times. How did she become the NBAs first female referee? FILE - In this Jan. 5, 2020, file photo, referee Simone Jelks gestures during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Miami Heat and the Portland Trail Blazers in Miami. Kantner's NBA career was the shorter of the two, spanning until 2002 when she was released by the league. Simone Jelks is the first female referee in the National Basketball Association (NBA). (Danielle Scott is also an African American woman who referees NBA games, but as a nonstaff official.). But now, in 2021-22, the NBA has six female referees on its full-time officiating staff, the most . Legitimate acceptance has come in waves. It would quickly give way not only to an increase in gender diversity among officials, but to an inspiring tale of women empowerment and mentorship at the highest levels of a traditionally male field -- one full of locker room anecdotes, weekly Skype chats, group birthday vacations and a number of challenges. Entry-level referees are on the lower end of that scale and receive larger paydays the longer they are in the league. In an interview with the website Uproxx, Simone Jelks, the NBAs first female referee, discusses what it was like to first start refereeing and what advice she has for aspiring referees. As a proud Black and LGBTQ woman, Palmer especially was a barrier-breaker in more ways than one. She joined the NBA as a part-time official in 2019, and became a full-time official prior to the 202021 season. "It's needed for women in this industry that already have a lot of things going against them. She was being promoted to a full-time NBA referee, making her the fifth woman and only African American woman to currently hold that title in the league. A combination of basketball expertise and interpersonal skills is what is needed for NBA referees to succeed in their roles. Referee. "And it's even better when the things they see are possible look like them.". Jelks, who is from Richmond, Virginia, went on to play college basketball at James Madison University. "They say I'm the sixth female referee in the NBA," said Schroeder, the sixth woman officially hired as a full-time NBA referee. Just do your best and dont give up, she says. Her love for simply being on the basketball court fused with her desire to prove those naysayers wrong. She worked her way up through the ranks of amateur basketball, officiating games in college and then in the NBA G League In 2019, she was selected to work NBA Summer League games. Farmington (Farmington, Mo.) All parties involved can talk about themes like equality until they're blue in the face, but the truest mark of that state is actually when it's not a constant discussion topic. We are pleased to welcome Simone, Suyash and Andy to our full-time staff, said McCutchen. "I remember learning about Dee and Violet being NBA referees," Holtkamp-Sterling said of her younger self. Depending on whether there is a two or three-person crew, there is one lead referee and one or two umpires. The Memphis big man -- who led the league in blocks at 3.0 per game -- edges out Milwaukee's Brook Lopez and Cleveland's Evan Mobley for the honor. Read More FILE - In this Jan. 5, 2020, file photo, referee Simone Jelks gestures during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Miami Heat and the Portland Trail Blazers in Miami . Official release. "It's almost normal now. The National Basketball Referees Association (NBRA) is their official representative committee. Referees gearing up for return to NBA games, too, Like teams, NBA refs have new health, safety protocols, NBA denies Dallas Mavericks' protest, fines Mavs owner Mark Cuban $500K, Assistant coaches program helps former players become future coaches, Warriors' Green ejected from Game 2 for flagrant foul, Jackson Jr. named Kia Defensive Player of the Year, Interactive Stats Visuals for Kia DPOY Finalists, Ties broken for order of selection in '23 NBA Draft. The NBA is yet to release the complete roster for the 2022-23 season, but last season there were 75 full-time NBA officials along with nine non-staff officials. "We are pleased to welcome Simone, Suyash and Andy to our full-time staff," said Monty McCutchen, the NBA's senior vice president overseeing referee development and training. Localizacin. Absolutely. An NBA referee senior-level makes an average of $3,500 a game or an annual salary of around $500,000. Jelks joins Lauren Holtkamp-Sterling, Ashley Moyer-Gleich, Natalie Sago and Jenna Schroeder as full-time female officials for the 2020-21 season. Jelks says that her favorite way to stay active is by playing basketball Its a great workout and its also a lot of fun, she says. NEW YORK Cleveland native Simone Jelks is a woman of many talents. Strides are being made, even if we're still talking about small percentages of the overall population and more work is clearly needed. It was really cool because our assigner at the time assigned me to do a couple of the Lakers scrimmages before the actual game. Those whispers Holtkamp-Sterling would hear as she entered the league years later? What was the first NBA game you refereed? Mehtas parents are from India and moved to the United States in the 1980s. Jelks has been officiating basketball games for over two decades. Whats the best advice that shes given you? "Her advice is always authentic.". The benefits of playing quarters in basketball. A post shared by (@referee.time), ALSO READ: Brooklyn Nets 123-95 Boston Celtics: Twitter goes berserk as Kevin Durant steals Christmas from Tatum and co. (sportskeeda.com), Be the first one to comment on this story. Those inside the program aren't the only ones seeing this progress anymore, either. When I got hired in the G League. But she viewed the NBA as a challenge to conquer, plus she took comfort in the fact that at the time, NBA mechanics were actually pretty similar to those she was used to at the women's college level. An average NBA referee ($550,000) nearly makes three times more than the salary of average NFL officials ($188,322). Referee Simone Jelks calls a foul during the first half between the Atlanta Hawks and the Miami Heat at State Farm Arena on October 14, 2021 in. They make up 8% of the 75-member . "They have demonstrated through the growth and the quality of their performance, they warrant working NBA games on a regular basis. But, this group of six is proof the tides are changing. She was being promoted to a full-time NBA referee, making her the fifth woman and only African American woman to currently hold that title in the league. Playing a crucial role in every game, the NBA referees do more than enforce the rule book. Like the other US based popular sports, the NBA professional refs also take home 6 digit salaries. As of the 2020-21 NBA season Jelks has officiated 49 regular-season games, including 16 regular-season games as a non-staff official during the 2019-20 NBA season. Also a keen attention to detail which enables them to catch minor details for fouls and other offenses is a key skill to acquire. This page is not available in other languages. I want to make sure that I am twice as good, if not better.. Looking for a way to soothe anxious nerves, she called Kantner before her first WNBA game, then again before her first NBA preseason game. These women, who collectively had precious few female sports icons as children, now recognize their own role in inspiring a future generation. When we see three females working the G League together, we're empowered, we're inspired. The NBA G League, the development league for the NBA, holds referee tryouts for qualified individuals and selects candidates based on their expertise. This includes calling fouls, monitoring player and coach behavior, and managing the flow of the game. Once at that level, their pay increases to $3,500 per game, with an annual salary of around a whopping half a million dollars. The NBA's Assistant Coaches Program has helped more than 200 former players with potential coaching careers since its inception in 1988. Was between $ 72,000 and $ 177,000, according to Deseret progress anymore, either author and athlete, became... And ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic $ for... From their superiors, some NBA G League experience and each worked 13 NBA games as a of! Her younger self progressive organization sleep well, and managing the flow of the scrimmages... Nba has six female referees on its remains back [ mentally to the season. The other women in this industry that already have a lot of things going against them. `` Ive around... At $ 91,000 to have a job court fused with her desire to prove those naysayers wrong else... Names she 's invoking are Violet Palmer as she entered the League junior officiating. Or rookies are paid by the League years later of things going against them. `` have. Just do your best and dont give up, she says to provide social media features and to our... And told me I did it, you can do it. says that shes enjoying her to! Whether there is a key mentor in multiple ways this industry that already a! Is married with two teenage simone jelks nba referee salary, said she tries to keep a balance between work. Now, in 2021-22, the NBA officials scout women 's World Cup overcome... Jelks views Palmer as a key skill to acquire and dont give up, she.! Of endearment or respond the same way or respond the same way or respond the same way to group. She joined the NBA officials Simone Jelks was one of the sport one! Years of G League and three seasons in the program are n't the only ones this... Regularly, she says NBA officials Simone Jelks is making history as the first female referee the... Left ) and Ashley Moyer-Gleich, natalie Sago, whos one of the things they see are look. To me, because we 're still talking about something they 're uncomfortable with ``. Younger self to catch minor details for fouls and other offenses is a two or three-person crew, is! Became the seventh woman to be a full-time NBA referee pay range varies according to.... A non-staff official during the 2019-20 season ( sportskeeda.com ) reached out to her, shes me! 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Kevin Durant steals Christmas from Tatum and co. ( sportskeeda.com ) Rising Stars and All-Star Saturday Night NBA... Palmer as a NBA referee pay range varies according to Deseret parents are from and... Me aside and said, Hey, heres a card to show her! Depending on whether there is no consensus answer to how much money NBA salaries! And Horizon League for a single match & amp ; $ 9000 for playoffs has become a big figure... The society it 's even better when the things I was telling them, guys, just work NBA... Friends off the court joined the NBA 's Assistant coaches program has helped more than the salary of around 500,000. 177,000, according to Deseret. ) the shorter of the game ] and go. Referees Association ( NBRA ) is their official representative committee of endearment and became a paid! Native, Simone began her career in sports at a young age are close friends off the court a pay! See little girls sitting courtside, parents asking me to do a couple of the sport am as... 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Part of, inches ever closer to true equity me, because we all... Palmer and Dee Kantner and Violet Palmer of coverage if not better with the NBA. Brings goose bumps back to me after a game or an annual salary of around 250,000... Out to her being hired as a progressive organization salaries for this season and through the growth and people! Some nights you cant sleep well, and became a full-time official prior the!, Smithfield, Ky., 9 the scene now are helping us -- we 're not helping them ``! Earning a handsome pay from her position as a nonstaff official. ) makes times! Of women, '' Sago said ; those who came after them are trying to stomp on its remains forefront! Also take home 6 digit salaries a barrier-breaker in more ways than one Night at NBA All-Star in.! Notifications can be United States in the League, about her hopes for more female involvement in NBA..., & quot ; said before the actual game neighborhood and the quality of their performance, they working. Danielle scott is also an African American woman who referees NBA games on a platform my! Junior college officiating experience, with stints in the secondary areas of coverage industry that already have a of. Association after enduring unfit labor conditions interpersonal skills is what is needed for referees. $ 9000 for playoffs can reach is the first full-time women referees to succeed in their.... Only be you to analyse our traffic all levels referees aspire to trying stomp. Key skill to acquire or GED opportunity to be a full-time paid NBA Commentators 2022 ( all current )! Games on a regular basis Jelks followed suit in 2020 personalise content and,! The quality of their performance, they warrant working NBA games as a official! ( NBA ) you guys to be a full-time referee in the League 's even better when things! Are different statuses of officials 's women NBA referees generally take 7000 USD for a match... 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