The term 'HOOPS OFFICIAL' is a job description for a referee in the sport of basketball. The crossword solutions for this term are REF, which stands for referee. A referee is an official who is responsible for enforcing the rules of the game and making sure that the players abide by them. They also make sure that the game is played fairly and safely. Referees are also responsible for making calls on fouls, violations, and other infractions.