ARLINGTON, Texas – Following a legendary career as a men’s college basketball official that began in 1973, Bobby Dibler is set to retire on June 30 of this year, the Western Basketball Officiating Consortium announced on Monday.
Dibler served as the longtime coordinator of men’s basketball officials for the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) from 1993-98, and again from 2005-23. Dibler has been the men’s basketball officials coordinator for all members of the Consortium for the past 10 years, overseeing the Big Sky, Big West, Mountain West, Pac-12, and West Coast Conferences in addition to the WAC during that time.
“Over the course of a basketball officiating career that has spanned six decades, Bobby Dibler has made a tremendous contribution to the growth of men’s college basketball through his passion, commitment, knowledge, tireless work ethic and exemplary level of professionalism,” said the Commissioners of the six conferences that comprise the Western Basketball Officiating Consortium. “Bobby has played an essential role in raising the bar for officiating in the sport and in the process mentored and supported the careers of countless officials. We thank Bobby for all he has done for the game and wish him the very best in his retirement.”
Dibler was a 2019 Naismith College Official of the Year award winner, which recognized his contributions to the growth, success, and viability of college basketball. He was also the 2022 recipient of the National Association of Sports Officials Inspire Award, which recognizes individuals that instill pride and create positive emotions for those in the officiating industry.
Dibler officiated his first college game in NCAA Division I in 1973 and continued calling games until 1993 for the WAC and the Southwest Conference (1973-93), the Big West Conference (1982-93), the Pac-10 Conference (1982-86, 1988-93), the Big Eight Conference (1981-82) and the Missouri Valley Conference (1973-82). His successful career as a college basketball game official included working 14 NCAA Tournaments, three Final Fours and two of the sport’s most historic national title games – 1982 with North Carolina and Georgetown, and 1985 between Villanova and Georgetown, widely considered two of the best college basketball games of all time.
“Over the last 30 years, but particularly the last 10 years, I have been honored and trusted to lead the Western Basketball Officiating Consortium,” said Dibler. “With this responsibility, I was empowered to build the best men's basketball officiating consortium to serve six conferences, along with developing an outstanding staff of men's basketball officials. I realize there is much more to accomplish, but I have been able to witness the development and progress of so many officials. Having the opportunity to observe our officials’ progress during the regular season and in postseason has been a privilege.”
The six conferences that comprise the Western Basketball Officiating Consortium have begun a search for Dibler’s successor.
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ABOUT WBOC
The Western Basketball Officiating Consortium (WBOC) features all six Division I men’s basketball Conferences encompassing the western United States, the Pac-12, Mountain West, Big Sky, Big West, West Coast and Western Athletic. The regional collaboration has produced the largest and most comprehensive officiating consortium in Division I men’s college basketball, servicing 67 member institutions across 13 states.