<P> To be considered for induction by a screening committee , a player , retired coach , or referee must be fully retired from that role for at least three full seasons . This period had originally been five years , but was first changed to four years in December 2015 , and to three seasons in December 2017 . Prior to the induction class of 2018 , referees had been eligible for induction upon 25 years of full - time service , even if still active . Changes to the criteria for consideration of active coaches were announced at the same time as the most recent changes to the induction process . Currently , coaches become eligible upon 25 years of full - time service at the high school level or above , or three seasons after retirement . Effective with the class of 2020 , active coaches must meet the years of service requirement and be at least 60 years old . No years of service criterion is applied to those who have made a `` significant contribution to the game of basketball '' . Sportswriters and commentators are elected as full - fledged members ( in contrast to the Baseball Hall of Fame that places them in separate wings that are not considered in the `` real '' Hall of Fame ) . </P>
<P> To be considered for induction by a screening committee , a player , retired coach , or referee must be fully retired from that role for at least three full seasons . This period had originally been five years , but was first changed to four years in December 2015 , and to three seasons in December 2017 . Prior to the induction class of 2018 , referees had been eligible for induction upon 25 years of full - time service , even if still active . Changes to the criteria for consideration of active coaches were announced at the same time as the most recent changes to the induction process . Currently , coaches become eligible upon 25 years of full - time service at the high school level or above , or three seasons after retirement . Effective with the class of 2020 , active coaches must meet the years of service requirement and be at least 60 years old . No years of service criterion is applied to those who have made a `` significant contribution to the game of basketball '' . Sportswriters and commentators are elected as full - fledged members ( in contrast to the Baseball Hall of Fame that places them in separate wings that are not considered in the `` real '' Hall of Fame ) . </P>
how long after retirement hall of fame nba
how long after retirement hall of fame nba
at least three full seasons
at least three full seasons