LEARNING CENTER: COR ACADEMY-Blog

We welcome discussion—but we prioritize safety and quality.

As officials, we step on the court each game with the responsibility of ensuring fairness, consistency, and professionalism. Yet, behind the whistle and beyond the box scores, there’s a deeper reality that affects how we grow, how we advance, and how we’re seen. I want to speak candidly about that reality—and the quiet but powerful forces that shape our careers as officials: favoritism, reputation-based advancement, and the moral complexity of evaluations. The Privilege Few T

fter serving on the front line, you learn what discipline really means. When I walk onto the court, I bring that discipline with me — not to intimidate, but to contribute.

You’ve heard them before — “I’m going to ref the game the way I want,” or “I’ve been reffing longer than you’ve been alive.”But it’s more than just a phrase

There’s something sacred about the few minutes before tip-off. For most fans and players, it's the calm before the storm—national anthem, warm-ups, introductions.

In high-profile basketball games, every decision you make as an official will be magnified. Cameras capture every whistle, every non-whistle, every gesture, and every reaction. Fans, coaches, athletes, and especially opponents of the moment will dissect your performance in real time. And afterward, the world will replay it in slow motion and debate it with absolute certainty—even when they have never officiated a game in their lives. As someone who spent years in the military

It’s a five-minute conversation. That’s all it takes—five focused minutes to get your crew dialed in, aligned, and ready for whatever the game throws at you.

Let’s be honest — we’ve all experienced it. You have a reliable varsity crew that you trust. The game lacks playoff implications, or perhaps it’s just another junior high matchup where the biggest challenge is keeping the clock running. You take your position, blow the whistle for tipoff or kickoff, and suddenly…you’re coasting. Everything feels routine — until it isn’t. Then something unexpected occurs: a bench-clearing altercation, a controversial call, or a game-changing p

While every season carries its own weight, this one felt more focused. I made it a point to prioritize preparation—both physically and mentally

your skills—attending a basketball officiating camp can be a transformative experience. However, before you sign up, pack your officiating gear, and hit the road, there are several important factors to consider.

There is a sacred space between the lines of a high school field or court. It’s where the athletes play, where dreams are made, and where...

Early career enthusiasm sometimes led me into overly close interactions,

Have you ever been screamed at by a coach in front of a packed gym and had to act like it didn’t phase you? As a basketball official,...

This year, bench decorum will be a point of emphasis,” said Billy Strickland, NFHS Committee Chair. “Communication between coaches and officials needs to be professional—this rule helps clarify accountability.”

The truth is, no matter how many years you've been officiating, the State experience will teach you new lessons.

Your rank, evaluations, or selections do not define you.

n every basketball association, there inevitably comes a moment when a member—be it a seasoned official with years of experience or a promising newcomer still finding their footing—makes a mistake.

Today, social media isn't just a platform for casual updates—it’s an essential tool for recruiting, educating, and showcasing talent.

As I lace up my shoes again for another season, I'm grateful for the journey officiating has provided. The lessons learned from fitness routines, AAU tournaments,

I quickly realized that no matter how skilled, experienced, or respected an official is, there are always others ready to step in at a moment's notice.