News & Updates

2023 Men’s Center Circle Officials Named

December 6, 2022
James RobinsonKokomo
Tom RohrMontezuma
Larry “Butch” JonesLogansport

NEW CASTLE – The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame recognizes three men for their contribution as high school basketball officials as the 2023 Men’s Center Circle Officials Award winners.

James Robinson, Tom Rohr and the late Larry “Butch” Jones will be recognized for their officiating careers.

James Robinson is a graduate of Indianapolis Wood High School and received an accounting degree from Indiana University.  James worked 29 sectionals, 20 regionals, 4 semi-states and the 2001 3A Boys State Championship game.  James also worked two Indiana – Kentucky All-Star games.  Three-time President of the North Central Officials Association, he also served as Vice President, 15 years as a rules interpreter, 15 years as a clinician, and 10 year observer.  A dedicated official, he worked the 1993 football state finals and worked 33 baseball sectionals and six baseball state finals and was named the 2002 IHSAA/NFOA baseball Official of the Year and 2002 National Federation Distinguished Official of the Year.  Worked high school games from 1980-2013, college from 1994-2004 and since 2005 has been a replay official including nine football bowl games and the 2014 National Championship game.

Tom Rohr, from Montezuma, has worked 45 sectionals, 31 regionals, 11 semi-states and six state finals (2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2017).  Tom served as Vice-President of Wabash Valley Officials Association, and has been involved in rules interpretation meetings while also serving as a clinician.  Tom played basketball and baseball at Montezuma High School, leading the basketball team to the sectional final game as a senior in 1965.  Tom was also a four-year starter in baseball.

The late Larry “Butch” Jones worked 29 sectionals, 21 regionals, seven semi-states, and three state finals (1990, 1994, 1999).  He was a member and former president of the North Central Officials Association.  Jones was involved in rules interpretation meetings in football and basketball, and as a football clinician as well.  “Butch” taught 38 years at Logansport High School. 

All Center Circle Officials Award winners will be honored at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame’s 61st Men’s Awards Banquet on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.

A midday reception, free and open to the public, will be held at the Hall of Fame museum in New Castle.  The evening banquet will take place at the Primo Banquet Hall, which is located on the south side of Indianapolis. 

Banquet reservations are will soon be available on the Hall of Fame’s website, or by calling (765) 529-1891.  For more information, you may also email kayla@hoopshall.com.

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(Media, please note receiving the Center Circle Officials Award is not induction into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.  These are separate distinctions and Center Circle Officials Award recipients should be referred to as honorees, not inductees.)