Darell Garretson
Inducted:
2016
Player Stats:
Born:
March 18, 1932
Long Point, Illinois, U.S.
Died:
April 21, 2008
Mesa, Arizona, U.S.
Position:
NBA referee
College:
NA
Darell Garretson was a trailblazing NBA referee who revolutionized officiating standards across the league. Over a career that spanned 27 seasons from 1967 to 1994, he officiated more than 2,000 NBA games, including 41 NBA Finals games and 1,798 regular season contests. Known for his calm demeanor and unwavering command on the court, Garretson emphasized teamwork among officials and helped develop the "three-referee system" that remains standard today.
Beyond his on-court duties, he served as the NBA's Supervisor of Officials from 1981 to 1998, mentoring generations of referees and implementing modern evaluation systems. He also co-founded the first union for NBA referees, advocating for better pay and working conditions. His influence was not only structural but philosophical—he championed consistency, accountability, and professionalism in officiating. In 2016, his legacy was honored with induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Garretson's Awards & Records:
- Officiated 41 NBA Finals games
- Developed and implemented the three-referee system
- Served as NBA Supervisor of Officials (1981–1998)
- Co-founder of National Association of Basketball Referees
- Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2016)
- Oversaw officiating through key eras including Magic vs. Bird and Jordan’s rise
Career :
NBA referee (1967–1994)
NBA Supervisor of Officials (1981–1998)
Career Stats:
NBA Games Officiated:
1,798 regular season
269 playoff
41 Finals
Notable Achivements:
Officiated 1,798 regular-season NBA games
Founded the first union for NBA referees
Mentored and developed dozens of top NBA referees
Championed evaluation and accountability systems for officiating performance
