Taking Their Shot: NBA Referees To Be Vaccinated This Season
Aug 28, 2021, 5:24 PM

(L-R) Referee Dedric Taylor #21, referee Jenna Schroeder #84, and referee James Williams #60 look on under a timeout during the fourth quarter of the game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Denver Nuggets at Spectrum Center on May 11, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
AP – NBA referees will all be vaccinated against the coronavirus this season.
The NBA announced Saturday that it has struck a deal with the National Basketball Referees Association on that requirement.
Part of the referees’ agreement with the NBA also says that those working games will receive booster shots once they become recommended.
The vote by the referees on the issue took place earlier this week.
This agreement is a win-win. It supports the NBA’s objective of creating a safer on-court environment & continuity of play while protecting the health & wellbeing of the officials; a clear example of when Labor & management work together for the common good of collective business https://t.co/bKTMzE8kpT
— NBA Referees (@OfficialNBARefs) August 28, 2021
The deal was announced one day after the league told teams anyone who works in close proximity of players and referees must be vaccinated.
The referees call the move a “clear example of when labor and management work together for the common good.”