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C.0.R ACADEMY

LEARNING CENTER: COR ACADEMY-Blog


Why Referees Should Never Ignore Wet Spots on the Court:
As a basketball official, you must ensure the game runs smoothly, fairly, and safely. You’re trained to focus on mechanics, rules, and...

Sarge
Jan 294 min read


How to Bounce Back After a Tough Game: Lessons from 29 Years of Officiating
No matter how experienced or prepared you are, whether it’s the 10th game of the season or the 70th, an off-game is inevitable.

Sarge
Jan 245 min read


True Leadership in Basketball Officiating: Learning from Failures and Leading with Purpose
I often hear in officiating associations, "I am just a volunteer; I am not getting paid." This mindset of leaders avoids accountability.

Sarge
Jan 163 min read


7 Must-See High School Basketball Tournaments in Washington This MLK Holiday
Every third Monday in January, the nation honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Sarge
Jan 165 min read


Make the Call- Ref: Block or PC
What’s the call? Feel free to email us if you’re uncomfortable sharing in the comments! coracademy@usa.com

Sarge
Jan 11 min read


How to Find Value in Your Varsity Evaluations: Embracing Growth Over Bias
But let's be real—evaluations can sometimes feel like more of a test of politics than of proficiency.

Sarge
Dec 26, 20245 min read


Make the call, ref
It's time to put yourself in the role of a referee and make a critical decision! Watch the play closely and determine whether it’s a...

Sarge
Dec 18, 20241 min read


Staying Engaged: Mastering Dead Ball Officiating in Basketball
Dead ball officiating—or more broadly, staying engaged during lulls or non-primary coverage—is a common challenge for basketball...

Sarge
Dec 3, 20242 min read


Mental State of Officiating: Setting the Standard for Excellence of Execution
Officiating basketball at the high school varsity level is more than a mere job; it is a significant calling.

Sarge
Nov 17, 20244 min read


Analyzing the Effectiveness of Post Spin Moves and Double Whistles in Critical Case Play: A Video Analysis
Officiating spin moves in the post
Managing double whistles

Sarge
Nov 16, 20241 min read


Elevating My Game: Goals for the 2024-25 Varsity Basketball Officiating Season
Here’s what I’m committed to improving this season:

Sarge
Oct 30, 20244 min read


Why I See the Center as Key to Keeping the Game on Track
Some of us have been around long enough to remember the days when we only had two officials, even in college and pro games.

Sarge
Oct 30, 20243 min read


Preparing for High School Basketball Season: A Veteran Referee’s Guide for One Month Out
As high school basketball season approaches, you might find yourself wondering how to prepare for the challenges ahead. Whether you’re a...

Sarge
Oct 9, 20246 min read


NFHS 2024-2025 Rule Change for High School Basketball – Focus on Flopping
National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) for the 2024-2025 season.

Sarge
Oct 9, 20242 min read


How Can You Maintain Composure When Speaking in the Spotlight?
I walk up to the coach, hands on my hips, my voice louder than it needs to be, and before the coach even finishes asking their question,

Sarge
Sep 5, 20243 min read



Sarge
Aug 23, 20240 min read


Laughing Refs and Poker Faces: The Art of Staying Cool When the Gym’s on Fire
Last season, I had the pleasure of officiating some of the most electrifying high school basketball games of my career. I’m talking about...

Sarge
Aug 10, 20247 min read


When Leadership Fails to Foster Unity and Growth in High School Basketball Officiating Associations
In my years of officiating high school basketball, I’ve witnessed firsthand the triumphs and struggles that come with being part of an...

Sarge
Aug 9, 20245 min read


Surviving the Helicopter Crew Chief: Tales from the High School Varsity Court
You know the type—the “helicopter crew chief” who hovers over every call, every rotation

Sarge
Aug 9, 20247 min read


Sarge’s Keys to a Good Game: Pre-Game Chat Guidelines for Basketball Officiating
These are the principles that help us stay sharp, unified, and effective on the court.

Sarge
Aug 8, 20244 min read
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