Two seniors from the University of Nevada, Reno were selected to represent their school as intramural sports officials at the 2026 National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association Region VI Basketball Tournament in Arizona. Among a group of 40 student officials from across the region, one student earned top-three honors and received a bid to officiate at the National Basketball Championships this April.
Jay Jordan and Abraham (Abe) Pelayo, both seniors working as officials at the E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center, shared their experiences about being referees for intramural sports after years spent as athletes themselves. “Imagine you’re in a room full of a thousand people, and everything you do, there’s always eyes on you. The fans and players don’t care what we see, they only care about what they want. It’s a surreal feeling, everything’s elevated, and they test how much you really know,” said Jordan.
Jordan is majoring in marketing while Pelayo is studying kinesiology. Both said that becoming an official was unexpected but rewarding work that gave them new perspectives on sportsmanship and leadership. “I never really thought about what a referee does. Through this, I have learned the other side of the game and how hard it is to manage a game. You’re in control of, essentially, three teams. The teams playing, but also, as many people who come to watch,” Jordan said.
Pelayo reflected on his journey: “It was an on-campus job that sounded pretty cool, plus working intramurals and working in sports is a bonus… it has made me feel welcomed.” He added that being able to handle distractions during controversial calls has helped him stay focused: “I am good with distractions… I’m still able to stay confident and stay locked into the game rather than on the people watching.”
The University offers more than ten recreational sports through its fitness center program where any student can sign up for intramural activities—placing high expectations on officials like Jordan and Pelayo to know each sport thoroughly while maintaining fair play among participants.
After earning spots through an application process supported by university funding for travel expenses this year, both students gained experience officiating games alongside professional referees during tournament weekend events such as film review sessions designed for learning best practices.
Jordan achieved top-three status among all participating officials—a recognition he described by saying: “Getting top three was just a cool moment that…the hard work pays off.” Pelayo finished within the top twelve; he noted personal growth from learning directly from career professionals: “I got to learn from people that have done this as a career… I feel like I’ve grown as a leader in helping my officials.” Both are set to graduate this May—Jordan planning further education while continuing officiating opportunities outside campus; Pelayo intends to return home to Las Vegas for similar roles locally.
Pelayo encouraged others considering officiating: “This program helped me build my communication skills [and] be a leader… This is the coolest job on campus.” Applications open soon for students interested in becoming intramural officials next semester.
