Elbert Fielden, born on March 1, 1930, carved a niche for himself in the sphere of sports officiating, a path that eventually led to his celebrated induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 1996. Serving as a TSSAA official from 1959 to 1970, Fielden made significant contributions to high school basketball in Tennessee. During his tenure, he officiated at pivotal moments, including the TSSAA Girls’ State Tournament in 1964 and the TSSAA Boys’ State Tournaments in 1966 and 1970. His expertise on the court was not confined to high school games; Fielden also officiated basketball at various collegiate levels, including the Volunteer State Conference, TransAmerica Conference, Metro Conference, Ohio Valley Conference, and the Southeastern Conference.

After stepping down as an active official, Fielden didn't stray far from the sphere he had dedicated so many years to. From 1970 to 2003, he served as the Supervisor of the Knox-Ridge Basketball Officials’ Association for an impressive 33-year stint. During this period, Fielden was at the forefront of innovation and improvement within the realm of sports officiating. He was instrumental in pioneering the use of a computerized system for assigning games, a forward-thinking move that streamlined operations. Additionally, he initiated the rotation of officials in district and region tournaments, a practice that was later adopted by the TSSAA, highlighting his influence on policy and his lasting impact on the institution.

Fielden's commitment to excellence in officiating was passed down to his daughter, Donna, who too became a TSSAA official. Notably, Donna broke new ground as the first female to officiate in a Boys’ State Tournament, underscoring the Fielden legacy of trailblazing contributions to sports officiating in Tennessee. Through his innovations, leadership, and commitment to the betterment of officiating, Elbert Fielden's induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 1996 served as a hallmark recognition of his dedicated service and significant contributions to the TSSAA and sports officiating at large.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 1996
Category: Official