LEARNING CENTER: COR ACADEMY-Blog

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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.

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.

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,...

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,

Regardless of how much experience you have or the awards and accolades you've received, officiating is a craft that requires continuous improvement and a relentless pursuit of excellence

I always tell new officials: Be late. Be needed. Be right. Don’t just chase the next assignment.

No matter how much you contribute to your community or excel on the court, there will always be those who doubt you.

Forget Broadway, forget Netflix, forget whatever else people are binge-watching these days. There’s no drama, no comedy, and no unscripted c

How do you handle blowouts as an official? Have you faced a challenging situation where you had to balance fairness with game flow?

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.