Referee magazine and NASO founder Barry Mano dies at 82

Barry Mano, the founder and publisher of Referee Magazine, and the founder of the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO), and a fierce advocate for officiating at all levels, died after a brief illness. He was 82.

Mano was a basketball official for 23-years, calling college games at the Division I level. His brother Mark was a NBA referee in the 1970s, and he made a controversial-but-correct call, but the NBA did not publicly back Mark up. The media and fans tore Mark down for making a correct call. That gave Barry inspiration to starting a publication “by officials, for officials.”

In January 1976 Mano started Referee Magazine which devoted its pages to advocacy for officiating, news, opinion, and education. Over the years, the magazine also profiled hundreds of professional, college and amateur officials. The magazine covers all sports and devotes a section to rules and mechanics education for referees and umpires.

But, Mano wanted more for officials. So, in 1980 he founded the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO). This organization provides insurance, legal services, advocacy and education for its members. In a highly litigious society, hundreds of officials have benefited from the insurance and legal services from NASO, and all NASO members can take the field in comfort knowing they are covered.

Mano was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, in 2024. He is survived by a daughter, her husband, two grandchildren, and brother Mark, whose courageous call in a NBA game, got this whole thing started.

This is a monumental loss for the officiating world. NASO and Referee magazine will continue, but Barry Mano’s loss will be greatly felt.

Our condolences to all who knew him and loved him.