NEW YORK – Longtime NBA official Gary Zielinski will join the NBA Referee Operations Department as Director of Amateur Officiating Development, it was announced today by Byron Spruell, NBA President of League Operations.  Zielinski recently retired as an NBA referee after spending 18 seasons in that role.

In his new position, Zielinski will provide guidance and training regarding playing rules and officiating career opportunities to amateur players, coaches and officials, with a specific focus on youth.  He will create and implement youth officiating development curriculum based on the NBA’s officiating program and Jr. NBA’s educational initiatives.  In addition, Zielinski will conduct clinics and camps and identify candidates for introduction into the referee scouting pipeline.

“We are excited that Gary will continue to serve the NBA in this new role,” said Spruell.  “His extensive knowledge and experience as an NBA referee will be invaluable as we develop our grassroots officiating programs.”

Zielinski officiated more than 1,000 regular-season games as well as 18 playoff games in the NBA.  Before joining the NBA’s officiating staff, he worked as a referee for four seasons in the WNBA and seven seasons in the Continental Basketball Association.