Ernest Quigley Hall of Fame NBA

Ernest C. “Ernie” Quigley was one of the most colorful and respected referees of basketball’s early era. A Canadian-born athlete who played under James Naismith at the University of Kansas, Quigley built a remarkable 40-year career as a sports official. He officiated more than 1,500 basketball games, including major college contests, NCAA tournaments, and the 1936 Olympic basketball final between the United States and Canada—the first Olympic Games in which basketball was a medal sport.

Quigley became famous for his distinctive officiating style, often pointing at a player and loudly declaring, “You can’t do that!” rather than relying primarily on his whistle. He also served as supervisor of NCAA tournament officials from 1940 to 1942. Beyond basketball, Quigley was a prominent National League baseball umpire, working six World Series. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1961 as a Referee.

Quigley's Awards and Honors

• Officiated the 1936 Olympic basketball final
• Supervised NCAA Tournament officials from 1940–1942
• Officiated more than 1,500 basketball games
• Worked six World Series as a National League baseball umpire
• Served on the NCAA Football Rules Committee from 1946–1954

NBA Position

NBA referee (1913–1937)