Basketball official is a term used to refer to the person responsible for officiating a basketball game. The two most common roles are the REFEREE and the REF, both of which are abbreviated to three and seven letters respectively. The REFEREE is responsible for making sure that the rules of the game are followed and that the players are playing fairly. The REF is responsible for keeping track of the score and time, as well as calling fouls and violations. Both roles are essential in ensuring that the game is played safely and fairly.