Bill Arata, a revered figure in Tennessee high school sports, dedicated 44 years to the TSSAA, significantly impacting high school basketball officiating. His journey began in 1965 when he became a TSSAA official, serving in this capacity until 1974. During this period, Arata's skills and integrity as an official were recognized at high levels of competition. He worked the 1972 TSSAA All-Star game and the prestigious 1973 TSSAA Boys State Tournament, underscoring his excellence and reliability in officiating.

In 1974, Arata took on the pivotal role of TSSAA Supervisor and Assigning Officer for the Memphis/Shelby Co. Basketball Officials Association, a position he held with distinction for 35 years. His responsibilities included overseeing the assigning and supervising of basketball officials, ensuring games were officiated fairly and according to the rules. His leadership significantly contributed to the professionalism and quality of the officiating in Tennessee high school basketball.

Arata's exceptional service was recognized by the TSSAA on several occasions. In 2000, he was honored with the TSSAA Officials Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to high school sports officiating. Additionally, he played an essential role as a TSSAA Basketball Camp Supervisor, further highlighting his commitment to advancing the quality of officiating through education and mentorship.

In 2006, Arata's contributions to sports were celebrated beyond TSSAA, as he was inducted into the Memphis Amateur Sports Hall of Fame. Highlighting his close ties with sports from a young age, Arata played in the TSSAA State Basketball and Baseball tournaments, earning the title of Most Valuable Player in the 1955 TSSAA State Baseball Tournament. Before dedicating his career to officiating and overseeing officials, he briefly played baseball in the minor leagues for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In 2009, Bill Arata's outstanding career and service to high school athletics and the TSSAA were commemorated with his induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame. His decades of dedication to sports, integrity in officiating, and leadership in supervising officials have left an indelible mark on Tennessee high school athletics, earning him a place of honor among the state's sporting legends.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2009
Category: Official