The Crown Refs Podcast
The Crown Refs Podcast is the ultimate audio experience for basketball officials looking to elevate their craft, build confidence, and achieve long-term success on and off the court. Hosted by Paul Diasparra, this podcast helps referees master their skills, refine their judgment, and develop a strong officiating mindset. It features top names in officiating like Joey Crawford, Roger Ayers, Dee Kantner, Maia Chaka, Lisa Mattingly, Tyler Ford, Penny Davis, Reggie Greenwood, Scott Foster, Al Battista, Crystal Hogan, Bo Boroski, Gary Vee, Clarence Armstrong, and more. #Servethegame
#409 The Referee HelpDesk | Court Support #2

This episode of The Referee Help Desk brings together real officiating questions from across all Crown Refs platforms and turns them into lessons for officials at every level. Topics include when to use the block signal, how to report fouls efficiently, handling technical fouls calmly, and mastering the StartโDevelopโFinishโDecide philosophy for slowing down the whistle and improving judgment. The episode also dives into partner communication, ambidextrous signaling, film study strategies, and how to approach youth games with the right balance of patience and authority.
We also discuss proper footwear, nutrition, rรฉsumรฉ building for camp sea...
#408 The Referee HelpDesk | Court Support #1

Welcome to The Referee Helpdesk, the customer support center for basketball officials. Each week, I take questions Iโve received from referees across all platforms and answer them on Tik Tok Liveโturning real-world scenarios into teachable moments for the entire officiating community. Think of it as your on-demand support line for everything that happens on and off the court.
In this episode, we cover how to handle partners who see the game differently, and when itโs appropriate to change your call. We also dive into de-escalation tactics with coaches (โIโm very approachableโฆโ), building credibility early, conduct...
#407 The Preseason Push | feat. Chris Velaoras

The Preseason PUSH | Feat. Chris Velaoras
This episode features clips from Mayโs Crown Refs Skill Development Clinic (Signal School Session) plus new halftime and post-game conversations from three fall-league games.
Topics covered include:
Getting together on all borderline intentional fouls
Dead Ball officiating readiness during dive on fouls
Faking being fouled and how to identify acting vs. genuine contact
When and why to use an immediate whistle
The FACTS framework โ Fouls, Arrow, Clock, Timeouts, Situation
Maintaining composure during chaos โ staying calm on thunde...
#406 NCAA-M Rules Review | Rule 10: Fouls & Penalties | Hosted by Chris and Mikaiya

In this Crown Refs community rules session, Chris Velaoras and Mikaiya Moore led an in-depth breakdown of Rule 10: Fouls and Penalties, providing referees with the knowledge and clarity they need heading into the season. The discussion explored the different categories of fouls, including Flagrant 1 and Flagrant 2, using the WIF principleโwindup, impact, and follow-throughโas a practical framework to help officials assess severity on the court. The session also addressed contact dead-ball technical fouls and offered insight into how referees can apply judgment in live-game situations with confidence and consistency.
The group also reviewed the distinctions between Clas...
#405 Building Better Referees from the Ground Up | with Chris Rastatter | D1 Men's National Coordinator

FOR FULL EPISODE GO TO PATREON.COM/CROWNREFS
Chris Rastatter is the NCAA Menโs Division 1 National Coordinator of Officials, overseeing mechanics, training, and tournament selections for menโs college basketball. A 27-year DI referee, Chris worked the NCAA Tournament before moving into his leadership role, where he now mentors and evaluates the nationโs top officials.
What Youโll Learn in This Episode:
๐ฆ Points of Emphasis for 2025โ26: Why continuous motion will spark offense, how the coachโs challenge could add clarity and excitement, and why rule alignment across levels matters.
๐ Mechanics & Positi...
#404 Pro City Runs | feat. Kenny Widgeon | with additional commentary

Step inside the action at New York Cityโs legendary Pro City at LIU Brooklyn, where we miked up NBL official Kenny Widgeon. Kennyโs journey is as unique as it is inspiringโhe broke into the professional ranks in Australia after a connection through the Crown Refs Podcast with Scott Butler, the NBLโs Coordinator of Officials. With years of experience on both sides of the globe, Kenny brings a calm, seasoned presence to one of the most competitive summer leagues in the country.
In this episode, officials will take away practical lessons on handling tough in-game...
#403 Whistle Wisdom | with Montrell Cade | Mentorship, Reps, & Confidence in Officiating | Division 1 Official

In this inspiring episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, Paul welcomes longtime community member and high-character official Montreal Cade, who currently resides in Columbia, Maryland. Montreal began his officiating journey through the intramural program at Towson University before getting certified and working high school basketball for the past eight years. Over the last six years, he has steadily climbed into the college ranks, working NCAA games and recently officiated his first state championship game at the University of Maryland.
This episode is packed with rich insight and valuable lessons for officials at all levels. Some of the...
#402 The Coordinator's Cut | w/Lisa Mattingly | SEC Coordinator of Officials

In this powerful episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, we welcome Lisa Mattingly, Coordinator of Officials for the SEC and one of the most respected voices in womenโs college basketball officiating. A veteran of the WNBA and NCAA Final Fours, Lisa has spent decades refining her craft both on and off the court. She brings unmatched wisdom, authenticity, and candor to the conversation as she reflects on her officiating journey, her transition from working national semifinal games to leading one of the top officiating programs in the country, and the importance of mentorship, character, and long-term development in th...
#401 The Skill Development Series | Part 1

๐๏ธ Welcome to The Skill Development Series! This episode was recorded at our first-ever in-person event โ the Crown Refs Skill Development Clinic held on April 12, 2025, in Berlin, Connecticut. It was a long-awaited, highly anticipated, and special day that brought together core Crown Refs family members for a unique experience of relationship-building, learning, and growth. The event was designed as an intimate, small-group setting with only nine invited officials to ensure maximum impact and personal attention.
In this episode, youโll hear a variety of raw, behind-the-scenes audio from the day โ including the morning meet & greet, sideline conversations, community interviews...
#400 Episode 400 | feat. Ashley Birch | G-League & NCAA-W Official

Recorded live from CayVision Podcast Studios, episode 400 features Ashley Birch, a driven and inspiring NCAA Division I and NBA G-League official. Born and raised in Kansas City and now based in Dallas, Ashley opens up about her path into officiating after a playing career and a background in tech. Just completed her first season with the G-League, she talks about adapting to the speed, athleticism, and expectations of the menโs pro game, as well as the mental and emotional tools sheโs built along the way.This episode offers great value for every official, from the ambitious newcomers to t...
#399 Game Notes 043 | Jesse Stricherz | Belle Fourne, SD

In Game Notes 043, we sit down with South Dakota official Jesse Stricherz for a reflective and educational IPR breakdown. Jesse, who began officiating at age 15, brings decades of experience and humility to the table as he shares the highs and challenges of managing competitive games. One of the standout moments in this episode is Jesse's discussion around coach interactions, particularly navigating a heated sideline exchange with a calm but firm response. The episode dives deep into his decision-making, signals, positioning, and ability to match the energy of emotional coaches without losing composureโan essential skill for any official climbing th...
#398 Top 5 Ways to grow your officiating game | 5 Tips & Tricks Podcast

In this episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, we share a powerful conversation originally featured on the Five Tips & Tricks Podcast, where the spotlight is on what it truly takes to grow and thrive as a basketball official. The discussion covers the foundational pillars of officiating developmentโincluding mastering the rule book, maximizing game reps, breaking down film, and attending referee camps to accelerate learning. It also explores the current officiating shortage and the critical role that mentorship and community support play in both retention and advancement.
Listeners will hear how a commitment to gr...
#397 How we built the Crown Refs Community | The Sports Corner Podcast

In this episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, we explore the journey from our inception to becoming a thriving community for basketball officials. The narrative begins before 2018, detailing the launch of inaugural show, "The Basketball Shop," co-hosted by Mr. Pink. It then delves into the introduction of the Individual Performance Report (IPR) serviceโa film review and game breakdown offeringโthat provides officials with invaluable feedback to enhance their skills.
We share insights about the organic growth of the Crown Refs community, particularly through the launch on the Patreon platform in 2021. This initiative fostered a ne...
#396 The Long List of Ingredients to cut out of your Diet | The Dialed In Podcast | Ep. 2

In this episode of The Dialed In Podcast, Paul and Marc continue their mission of inspiring transformation and optimization. Marc dives deep into his journey through fitness, nutrition, and movement training, sharing key insights on nutrient timing, gut health, and aligning your habits with your goals. His practical tips provide a relatable and motivating perspective on staying consistentโeven through challenges like the holiday season.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to clean up their diet, as Paul and Marc break down the long list of additives, emulsifiers, dyes, artificial colors, fillers, and other synthetic in...
#395 From Stripes to Strategy | feat. Ken Joslin | Entrepreneur, Faith-Based Leader, Former NCAA Official | GROW STACK DRIVE

In this episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, we sit down with Ken Joslin, a former NCAA womenโs basketball referee and college baseball umpire who transitioned from officiating to becoming a top entrepreneur, speaker, and coach. Ken shares his inspiring journey through the officiating ranks, including his pivotal moment at an SEC/ACC umpire camp, where he was told that in order to reach the next level, he needed to lose weight. That feedback sparked a transformative journey, leading him to lose 100 pounds and ultimately shift his focus to business and leadership. While he stepped away from officiating, th...
#394 Runnin Ref | with Austin Ardrey

In this episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, we sit down with Austin Ardrey, also known as the Runnin Ref, to dive into the intersection of fitness, officiating, and performance training. Austin is a former strength and conditioning coach at the collegiate level who transitioned into working with officials to help them stay injury-free, mobile, and game-ready. Through his Runnin Ref training programs, he provides sport-specific strength and conditioning for basketball, football, and soccer officials, tailoring workouts to meet the unique demands of officiating. Austin shares his personal fitness routine, daily discipline, and how he balances strength training, mobility...
#393 2025 In-Season Notes | Keep Serving the Game!

In this episode of The Crown Refs Podcast, we dive into key insights for the 2025 season, breaking down the habits, mindset shifts, and game strategies that separate great officials from the rest.
Topics Covered:
โ Stop Judging Your Partnersโ Calls โ Focus on your role and elevate the crew.
โ Next Play Mentality โ Stay locked in and avoid dwelling on the past.
โ Handling Reactions โ Donโt be shocked by coaches, players, or fansโstay composed.
โ Back-to-Back Technical Fouls โ When and how to manage escalating situations.
โ Hustle is Non-Negotiable โ A lack of effort will always stan...
#392 Paul's Transformation | The Dialed In Podcast Ep. 1

In the inaugural episode of The Dialed In Podcast, hosts Paul Diasparra and Marc Vaccaro take you on an inspiring journey through Paulโs remarkable awakening to wellness. After years of average and inconsistent progress, Paul shares the pivotal moment that transformed his health and mindset forever. Together, they unpack the exact steps Paul took to overhaul his approach to food with clean eating, the foundational role of gut health, and the game-changing effectiveness of a high-protein diet. Marc doesnโt just bring his expertise in movement trainingโheโs also an authority on nutrition and cleanly sourced ingredients. He offer...
#391 Penny Davis | NCAA Women's National Coordinator | The Wonderful Women of Officiating Ep. 6

Penny Davis is the NCAA Women's National Coordinator of Officiating for divisions 1, 2, & 3, a position she's held since 2019. ย Before that, she had an incredible 17-year division career working in such conferences as the Pac 12, West Coast, Mountain West, Western Athletic, & the Big Sky.
Penny is also fortunate enough to be in a select group of officials who have worked multiple NCAA Final Fours earning her way to the last weekend of the year in 2015 & 2018. ย On top of her outstanding college career, she also spent time in the WNBA and the D-League (now the G-League.)
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#390 The Best of 2024 Mix | Thanks for 6 Years of Podcasting!

Join us as we celebrate six incredible years of podcasting and reflect on the highlights of 2024! This year has been monumental for Crown Refs, with the expansion of our global officiating community, the launch of our merch shop, and the debut of our online course designed to elevate the game for officials everywhere.
This episode features moments with some of the best in the game, including Jason Phillips, Clarence Armstrong, Sylvia Biggett, Kenny Widgeon, Randy McCall, Sampson Brue, Gerry Pollard, Brian Neale, Jess Smith, Ajay Gonnelli, Gary Vee, and, of course, the incredible Crown Refs Community.
<...#389 30 Big Tips for all Basketball Officials | feat. Sampson Brue | Mental Performance Coach

โ Be a Good Person: Build your foundation on characterโbe trustworthy, disciplined, and determined.
#388 Carry the Torch | feat. Jess Smith | Nyack, NY | NCAA-W Division 1 Official

In this episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, we feature the inspiring journey of Jess Smith, a seasoned basketball official who has been making strides in college basketball officiating for over a decade, including seven years at the Division I level. Growing up in a basketball family, Jess was introduced to the game early on by her father, a former Division I women's basketball official. This unique upbringing laid the foundation for her deep love of the game, which has only grown through her experiences as both a coach and an official. Jess's dedication to leadership, communication, and mentorship...
#387 From Friday Night Lights to Super Bowl Sunday | w/Brian Neale | Entrepreneur/Podcaster/NFL Ump

In this episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, we welcome Brian Neale, a seasoned NFL official, successful entrepreneur, and co-host of the longest-running sales podcast, The Advanced Selling Podcast. Brian shares insights from his remarkable 27-year journey to reach the NFL, including how officiating shaped his life and taught him patience, resilience, and the power of setting goals. With an impressive background that spans officiating at the highest levels and building a thriving business in sales coaching, Brian's perspective offers inspiration and invaluable advice for officials at any stage of their careers.โฃ
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We dive into the...
#386 Gerryโs Journeys | From HS courts to the Final Four | feat. Gerry Pollard

In this episode, we are honored to have NCAA Men's Basketball Coordinator Gerry Pollard, a seasoned official with over two decades of on-court experience, joining us. Gerry shares his remarkable journey starting as a high school referee and advancing to 21 consecutive NCAA Tournaments, culminating in a Final Four appearance in 2021. Now a coordinator for multiple conferences, Gerry brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world officiating wisdom, making this a must-listen for officials at every level.โฃ
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๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐๐ป๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐๐ & ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐ง๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฐ๐:โฃ
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1. ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ต๐ผ๐ผ๐น ๐๐ผ ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ข๐ณ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด: Gerry recounts how he got started, the steps he took to reach the college ranks, and his memorable experience working his way to the NCAA Final Four.โฃ
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2. ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ & ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐ฒ๐: Includes the story of managing cross-country travels during a hectic schedule, like offi...
#385 Film Fam 2 | with Jay Bavolar & Matt Kellog

Welcome to Episode 2 of "Film Fam," featuring our community members Jay Bavolar from Hackensack, NJ, and Matt Kellog from Corry, PA. In this episode, we examine several plays from each official highlighting some of the strengths and areas of growth and improvement.โฃ
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You will benefit from our detailed discussion covering the importance of positioning and maintaining an open view to be accurate. We touch on whistle cadence and the critical nature of watching and reviewing game film through specific lensesโlike focusing on secondary actions and the behavior of defenders rather than just following the ball...
#384 Film Fam Ep. 1 | w/Anthony Johnson Jr. & Carter Mochinski | Crown Refs Mentor

We're excited to introduce Film Fam, our new film review series at Crown Refs! Inspired by our Game Notes series, Film Fam will feature at least two officials per session who will share a bulk of plays for review. In this first episode, we feature officials Anthony Johnson Jr. and Carter Mochinski, who both bring a diverse set of game clips for analysis. This collaborative platform is designed to provide and receive valuable feedback, helping all of us refine our skills and grow together as a community.โฃ
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During the episode, Anthony focuses on improving his clos...
#383 Human Side of the Game ep. 1 | Ajay Gonnelli, Ashley Rivera, Chris Velaoras & Moore.

In this episode of "Human Side of the Game," a collaboration between Crown Refs and Officially Human, we shine a light on the personal journeys of six different officials from various levels. This series gives you an inside look at who these officials are beyond the courtโexploring their hobbies, passions, and lives outside of officiating. Get to know the people behind the whistle as we share stories that show they are more than just officials. We hope you enjoy this deeper look into the human side of those who serve the game!โฃ
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๐ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ป๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐โฃ
Patreon.com/crownrefs/membershipsโฃ
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๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ป ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ณ๐ ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ฆ๐ต๐ผ๐ฝโฃ
#382 Mozelleโs Mentorship | with Mozelle Salazar | Crown Refs 1-1 Training

This episode is another Crown Refs Community Collab as we introduce Mozelle from Corpus Christi, Texas, entering her second season as an official. We hear about her background, discussing her family's influence, especially her dad, a former referee considering a return to weekend tournaments to work with her. This episode highlights the importance of confidence, court presence, and effective communication for all officials.
Important Topics Covered:
-Leveraging family background in refereeing
-Building confidence and strong court presence
-Effective communication and signal presentation
-Managing game situations and...
#381 Vincentโs Verifications | with Vincent Garrett | Crown Refs 1-1 training

Welcome to this episode of Vincent's Verifications! Vincent Garrett, a hungry first-year official with many questions and a burning desire to learn the right way. Vincent's eagerness to grasp the nuances of the game is truly inspiring, and this episode promises to be a treasure trove of insights for officials at all levels.โฃ
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In this engaging session, we cover a wide range of important topics based on Vincent's excellent questions. We discuss travels, loose ball plays, discerning contact, and hand checking. We also explore issues related to player conduct, game safety, and the best approaches for...
#380 Mikaiya's Motivation | with Mikaiya Moore | Crown Refs 1-1

In this episode, we are thrilled to introduce Mikaiya, whose tenacity for growth and improvement has motivated her to pursue excellence in officiating. We were excited to meet her for the first time during this call, as she recently signed up for the Crown Refs 1-1 tier on Patreon. Mikaiya's dedication to enhancing her skills and knowledge is truly inspiring, and we are honored to be part of her journey.
In this insightful session, Mikaiya delves into several important topics that are crucial for any aspiring referee. We discussed effective positioning techniques, the importance of maintaining a...
#379 Figuring it Out | with Brian Kenney | Available on Amazon

We are excited to welcome Brian Kenney, a wonderful human being with a rich and diverse background. Brian is a former Division I official, a current JUCO and high school assignor, a retired special education teacher, and the owner of a successful team-building company. Brian, who is also an author, discusses his latest book, "Figuring It Out: A Youth Guide to Navigating Life's Construction Curves," available on Amazon. The book delves into personal development and overcoming life's challenges, inspired by the story of a young double amputee. Brian shares his multifaceted journey, offering valuable insights into the importance of...
#378 Professionalism Under Pressure | Insights w/Clarence Armstrong | NCAA-M's Tournament Official

In this episode of the Crown Refs Podcast as we sit down with NCAA menโs official Clarence Armstrong. Clarence, a former standout basketball player and all-time leading scorer at ChiChester High School, went on to play four years at Drexel University before transitioning to officiating in 1999. Reaching the Division 1 level in 2008, Clarence now works in 13 conferences and has officiated in multiple NCAA tournaments. A proud father and dedicated mentor, Clarence shares his incredible journey from being a player who disliked referees to becoming one of the most respected officials in the game.
Mr. Ar...
#377 Unpacking Emotional Intelligence | with Duane Jourdeans

In this insightful episode we welcome Duane Jourdeans, an expert in emotional intelligence and positive psychology, to explore the critical role of emotional intelligence (EI) in the realm of officiating and beyond.โฃ โฃ Dwayne has spent 29 years in education, coaching, and consulting with organizations like the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Positive Coaching Alliance and more. He introduces the concept of EI, defining it as the ability to understand, manage, and utilize emotions effectively in various situations.โฃ โฃ This episode emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, empathy, authenticity, emotional reasoning, self-management, and inspiring performance. We participated in a detailed self-assessment, to identify areas for improvement and offe...
#376 Quincy is Qualified | w/Quincy Smith | Minneapolis, MN | 15-year-old Official

In this episode of "Crown Refs," we sit down with Quincy Smith, a remarkable 15-year-old basketball official from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Quincy shares his journey into officiating, balancing his roles as a player in both basketball and football, and his aspirations to officiate at the college or professional level.โฃ โฃ Quincy reflects on being inspired by young officials the impact of his mentors, whoโve helped connect him with the Minneapolis board. He talks about the challenges of starting officiating at a young age, the support he received, and how he quickly moved up from YMCA games to more competitive settings.โฃ โฃ Quincy discusses...
#375 Gary Vee X Crown Refs | Cultivating Gratitude & Patience in Officiating | feat. Gary Vaynerchuk

In this milestone episode of The Crown Refs Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome world-class entrepreneur and best-selling author Gary Vaynerchuk. Gary, also known as Gary Vee, is a digital marketing pioneer, the CEO of VaynerMedia, and the creator of VaynerX. His influence extends beyond the business world, having authored five New York Times bestsellers, including "Crush It!" and "The Thank You Economy." As a highly sought-after public speaker, Gary shares his extensive knowledge and insights on various platforms, inspiring millions worldwide.โฃ โฃ ๐ง๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐๐๐๐ฒ๐ฑ:โฃ โฃ โข๐๐๐บ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ป๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐: Gary emphasizes the importance of players and coaches building positive relationships with referees and how respect and likability can influence their decisions.โฃ โฃ โข๐ ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐น ๐ง๐ผ๐๐ด๐ต๐ป๐ฒ๐๐: Practical advice on using gratitude to manage stress and verbal a...
#374 Rapid Responses 16 | A 4-step approach to improved Game Management

In this episode, we dive into enhancing communication with coaches and improving your confidence. Building on our prior material, we share updates to the Rapid Response Toolkit. The episode focuses on strategies for effective coach communication, maintaining court presence, and implementing rapid responses to manage unsporting behavior.โฃ โฃ ๐๐ฒ๐ย ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐ฒ๐ย ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑย ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ดย ๐๐ป๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐๐:โฃ โฃ ๐ญ. ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ย ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐:โฃ โขBuild a timeline of coach comments, questions, and behavior.โฃ โขRecognize the pattern of interactions to respond appropriately.โฃ โฃ ๐ฎ. ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ดย ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป:โฃ โขBe proactive in engaging with coaches at appropriate times (e.g., timeouts, dead balls).โฃ โขApproach with confidence and establish authority without aggression.โฃ โฃ ๐ฏ. ๐๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒย ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป:โฃ โขUse clear and confident body language.โฃ โขDeliver rapid responses tailored to the situation.โฃ โขIncorporate rule-based language and ask specific questions to maintain control of the conversation.โฃ โฃ ๐ฐ. ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ถ๐๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ย ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐-๐ง๐ต๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ด๐ต:โฃ โขContinuously monitor coach behavior and maintain consistent messaging.โฃ โขRecognize when a coach is not compliant and enforce the rules accordingly.โฃ โขUnderstand the importance of consistent application of...
#373 2024 Camp Scholarship Episode | 3rd annual Crown Refs Scholarship

In this special episode, we take the listeners on a heartfelt journey as we reach out to eight officials to award them scholarships for the upcoming camp season. This episode is a testament to the commitment and passion that defines the Crown Refs community.โฃ โฃ This episode blends humor, encouragement, and heartfelt recognition, capturing the essence of what it means to be part of the Crown Refs community. Our interactions are engaging and uplifting, making for an inspiring and entertaining listening experience. We hope this episode not only celebrates the scholarship recipients but also inspires all officials to continue their journey with...
#372 Breakdowns w/Ben Minnow | Crown Refs 1-1 tier | patreon.com/crownrefs

This 1-on-1 training session part of the Crown Refs mentoring program provided numerous insights and tips for aspiring basketball officials. Here are some of the major takeaways:โฃ โฃ โฃ 1. ๐๐๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฝ๐:โฃ โฃ โข The significance of participating in refereeing camps for personal and professional development was stressed. These camps are not only for learning but also for networking, receiving direct feedback, and possibly being noticed by scouts or higher league officials.โฃ โฃ 2. ๐ฅ๐๐น๐ฒ๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐:โฃ โฃ โข The necessity of having a deep understanding of the rules of basketball was highlighted as foundational to successful officiating. It is recommended to study the rule book regularly and to use real-game scenarios to solidify rule knowledge.โฃ โฃ 3. ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ป-๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ถ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐:โฃ โฃ โข Tips on managing real-time game situations, such as dealing with dispute...
#371 JumpStart Your Future | feat. Ben Lampron | Author & Basketball Official

Ben Lampron, a dedicated basketball official with the Minneapolis Officials Association, is a 3rd-year official from Edina, MN. Beyond the court, he is the author of "Jumpstart Your Future," a book aimed at mentoring young professionals. Ben's approach to both his professional and officiating careers emphasizes the importance of active engagement, showing up for every possible learning opportunity, and the power of a strong start. He highlights the need for commitment, humility, and respect in all interactions, which resonate through his personal philosophy and the advice he shares.โฃ โฃ In this episode, we discussed various aspects of his journey as an offi...
#370 From Whistle to Wisdom | feat. Randy McCall | 6-Final Fours

In this episode of the Crown Refs podcast, we feature Randy McCall, a seasoned Division I official since 1992 with an impressive track record across multiple conferences including the Mountain West, Pac 12, WAC, WCC, Big West, Big Sky, Big 12, and MVC. Randy's extensive experience includes NCAA Tournament appearances from 2001-2021, and six Final Fours, including the National Championships in 2004 and 2021. He was also honored as the 2014 Naismith Menโs College Official of the Year. โฃ โฃ In our discussion, we dive into several crucial topics including the intricacies of playing through contact, the philosophy behind delayed whistles, and the importance of refereeing based on the...